Madeleine McCann parents’ delight as cops ask for more funding to keep search for missing child alive

THE parents of Madeleine McCann have been given fresh hope after police requested more money to continue the search for their daughter, saying tonight: "They've given us belief there is still work left to be done."

Scotland Yard has applied to the Home Office for further funding for another year to keep the investigation into Maddie's disappearance going.

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The three-year-old vanished from a holiday apartment In Portugal's Praia da Luz nearly 12 years ago while her parents were dining in a nearby tapas restaurant with pals.

As the latest funding is due to run out within weeks at the end of the current financial year, the Met Police has requested extra funding which will now be carefully considered.

Funding through Special Grants has already cost the British taxpayer a massive £11.75 million.

The couple's spokesperson, Clarence Mitchell, told The Sun Online: "Kate and Gerry are extremely grateful to the Metropolitan Police for making a new funding application.

It gives them hope that one day they may finally find out what happened to their daughter."It gives them belief there is still work left to be done.

Kate and Gerry's spokesman

"And whilst they know it is not guaranteed they are hoping it will be approved.

"It shows that officers are still doing everything they can to get a resolution after all this time.

"And it gives them hope that one day they may finally find out what happened to their daughter.

"It gives them belief there is still work left to be done."

However, Scotland Yard's bid for a Special Grant is not automatically approved and will need to be 'carefully considered’ on possible orders of Home Secretary Sajid Javid.

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The London force took over the Maddie operation in May 2011 on orders of the then Prime Minister David Cameron.

They have yet to unearth any new clue about her feared kidnap.

A  police spokesman said: "There is still work left to be done.

"All funding matters regarding Operation Grange are dealt with by the Home Office but the MPS is currently in dialogue with the Home office regarding future funding."

Mr Mitchell said renowned heart doctor Gerry and former GP now medical worker Kate, both 50, from Rothley, Leics, still cling onto a glimmer on hope their daughter - who would now be aged 15, nearly 16 - could still be found alive.

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