Search for Madeleine McCann to continue as Home Office announces more funding

The Home Office has agreed to continue funding the search for Madeleine McCann enabling the investigation to continue until the end of March.

Scotland Yard is to receive £154,000 for the inquiry, known as Operation Grange.

The Met requested more money from the Home Office earlier this month. Already over £11 million has been spent on the search for Madeleine, who was only three when she disappeared from her family's holiday apartment in the Portuguese resort of Praia da Luz in May 2007.

Her parents, Kate and Gerry McCann of Rothley, Leicestershire have refused to give up hope of finding Madeleine.

A Home Office spokesman said: "Following an application from the Metropolitan Police, the Home Office has confirmed funding for Operation Grange until the end of March 2018.

"As with all applications, the resources required are reviewed regularly and careful consideration is given before any funding is allocated."

Clarence Mitchell, the family spokesman said they were "extremely grateful" for the additional funding.