The search will restart near where the toddler went missing 18 years ago.

The search will restart near the area where the 3-year-old went missing 18 years ago.

The area between Praia da Luz and a house near the holiday resort, where the principal suspect, Christian Brueckner, used to live will be searched from tomorrow.

A Portugese source said the main goal of the search is to find Madeleine's body.

The toddler vanished 18 years ago while on holiday's with her family.

She would have celebrated her 22nd birthday last month.

It's been reported that the search was requested by the German police.

It comes after a string of unsuccessful past search efforts, including at a reservoir where Brueckner was known to visit.

A Portuguese source confirmed this week’s search, saying preparations must take place beforehand.

"They will be land searches only.

"The main objective is to look for any signs of Madeleine’s body," he added.

Brueckner is currently in prison serving a seven-year term for the rape of an American tourist; however, his sentence is nearing its end.

On the anniversary of Madeleine's disappearance, her family released a statement saying:

Maddie’s family said on the anniversary of her disappearance on May 3: "No matter how near or far she is, she continues to be right here with us, every day, but especially on her special day.

"We continue to ‘celebrate’ her as the very beautiful and unique person she is.

"We miss her."