THE body of a murdered child found on the side of a South Australian highway could be that of missing toddler Madeleine McCann, British police have indicated.

Although SA police have strongly denied any link between the world’s most high-profile missing girl and the remains of a child found near a suitcase on the side of the road at Wynarka, a Scotland Yard spokesman said it could not be ruled out.

According to UK newspaper, the Daily Mirror, the spokesman confirmed that British officers had contacted their Australian counterparts when the skeletal remains were found three weeks ago.

media_camera Dumped ... A snapshot of the highway where the body of a girl, aged between two and four, was found. Picture: Tony Gough

“We are aware of reports of the remains of a child having been found in South Australia, and we have made contact with the Australian authorities,” The Yard spokesman said.

SA police believe a fair-haired girl aged between two-and-a-half and four is the murder victim whose remains were found in the Murray Mallee.

Following an autopsy, police revealed it was “terribly clear that the child died a violent death under terrible circumstances”.

“Everything about this case is tragic,” said Major Crime Investigation Branch officer-in-charge Detective Superintendent Des Bray.

At the time of her disappearance from the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz in 2007, Maddie McCann was three-years-old. She would now be 11, which fits the description of the SA child victim.

media_camera Crime scene ... The apartment hotel building at holiday resort in Paia da Luz in Portugal, May 9, 2007, where missing British child Madeleine McCann was abducted. Picture: Supplied

Since her mysterious disappearance, the search for Maddie has spanned eight years, covering almost every sighting, theory, witness account and suspect.

However, Australian police are refusing to be drawn into this latest theory, with South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens telling a parliamentary committee that there was “absolutely no evidence at this point in time to suggest that the child concerned is Madeleine McCann”.

“We’re prepared to consider any possibility, but to suggest something like that at this point in time would purely be speculation for the benefit of getting attention.”

Supt Des Bray previously said the little girl could have died up to eight years ago.

media_camera Maddie’s size ... Superintendent Des Bray stands by a mannequin police believe resembles the girl found on the side of a highway in Adelaide. Picture: Campbell Brodie

The McCann’s spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, refused to confirm if Maddie’s parents were aware of the latest speculations about their daughter, saying: “We continue to refuse to comment on speculative reports.”

Mr Mitchell added: “This is entirely a matter for the Australian Police to resolve. Commissioner Stevens comments speak for themselves.

“Kate and Gerry will certainly not comment on any speculation. The Yard always keeps them informed when and if necessary.”

media_camera Still looking ... The search for three-year-old Madeleine McCann has spanned eight years. Picture: AP media_camera Never give up ... the parents of missing girl Madeleine McCann, Kate and Gerry McCann, are apparently unaware of the latest theory. Picture: AFP

The SA child’s remains were found alongside a badly degraded patchwork quilt. Police have since released digital images identifying seven of the homemade quilt’s 25 octagonal patches, including one piece of fabric believed to have been manufactured in New York.

media_camera Clue ... The heavily-soiled quilt was found in the suitcase that contained the skeleton of the child found near Wynarka, South Australia. Picture: Supplied

media_camera Detail ... Digital image of seven out of 25 quit patterns. Picture: SAPOL

South Australia police have also been asked whether the girl could be Western Australian child Lella McDougall, who went missing with her mother Chantelle in 2007.

Commissioner Stevens said investigators were focused on South Australia.

“But we would be considering any missing child in terms of the match with what we have in the Riverland,” he said.

The Wynarka/Belanglo murder clues media_camera Khandalyce Kiara Pearce, in a photo taken at Marion shopping centre, with the homemade quilt that led to her identification. 1 of 24 media_camera One of the items of clothing found in the suitcase. It helped lead to Khandalyce’s identification. 2 of 24 media_camera Khandalyce Kiara Pearce in the top that was found in the suitcase. 3 of 24 media_camera Karlie Jade Pearce-Stevenson in one of the last-known photos taken of her. Her body was found in a Belanglo State Forest in 2010 and has now been identified. 4 of 24 nav_small_close Want to see more?( 20 more photos in collection )Continue to full gallery nav_small_left nav_small_right

Originally published as UK cops ‘can’t rule out’ Maddie link