New hope in hunt for Madeleine McCann as cops to get hundreds of thousands of pounds in new funding

MADELEINE McCann police are set to get hundreds of thousands of pounds in new funding. 

Met chiefs’ request to the Home Office is likely to be approved.

So far their missing persons probe, Operation Grange, has cost an estimated £13million since 2011.

This year £302,470 funding was approved. But there had been fears it could be cut.

A source close to the investigation said last night: “This is excellent news. Maddie’s parents Kate and Gerry will be delighted. It gives fresh hope.”

Madeleine vanished from Praia la Luz, Portugal, in May 2007. The initial Met team of 40 officers is down to four detectives.

Peter Bleksley, a former Met detective, said: “As long as there are unanswered questions I can see why there is a case.

"But, in this time of squeezed budgets, I can also see why eyebrows would be raised at further funding.

“I understand the frustrations of families that have missing children who do not have the luxury of such ongoing funding.”

Prime suspect, German Christian B is in jail for rape and could be charged this year.

The Met said its missing person probe was continuing but would not discuss costs.

The Home Office confirmed it had received an application, adding: “It will be considered, as usual, in line with our Special Grant process.”