The investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann has been hit with a devastating new blow as funding for enquiries has been slashed.
Almost 19 years ago, the three-year-old vanished from the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz in May 2007, whilst holidaying with her siblings and parents, Kate and Gerry McCann.
Mere days before the anniversary of the disappearance on May 3, the Metropolitan Police's search has been cleared for another year of work, but with significantly reduced resources.
Home Office ministers granted £86,000 for Operation Grange to continue through 2026/27, a huge decrease from the £108,000 allocated in the previous financial year.
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The specialist inquiry, which began in 2011, has now incurred costs of roughly £ 13.3million over its 15-year existence.
Three police officers, alongside one civilian staff member, are assigned part-time to the case.
What started as a review of existing case files in 2011 was elevated to a full investigation in July 2013, enabling detectives to explore fresh leads in collaboration with Portuguese and German authorities.
Initially, the Met identified 60 individuals of interest and subsequently investigated a further 38, though Portuguese officials permitted searches at only one of three requested locations.
Madeleine vanished during a family holiday in the resort of Praia da Luz on the Algarve in Portugal on May 3, 2007
| PAChristian Brueckner, a convicted rapist identified as the prime suspect, was released from a German prison last September after completing his sentence.
Despite mobile phone data suggesting his device was active in the area on the night Madeleine went missing, he has never faced charges relating to her case.
German prosecutors believe the child is dead, yet lack forensic evidence connecting Brueckner to her disappearance.
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley confirmed last year Brueckner "remains a suspect for us" in what continues to be treated as a missing person inquiry.
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Operation Grange, the Met Police investigation into Madeleine's disappearance, will have its funding slashed
|GETTY
Retired Metropolitan Police detective Peter Bleksley questioned the value of the prolonged investigation, suggesting parents of other missing children might feel aggrieved at the continued resource allocation.
"You have to ask, what have these millions achieved? The answer, sadly, is nothing," he said.
Mr Bleksley added: "There will be parents of other missing children reading this and asking why the investigation into their child's disappearance has not had the same level of funding and attention."
However, a source close to the situation suggested to the Daily Mail the McCann family would welcome the continued funding.
Kate and Gerry McCann maintain hope that their daughter will be found
| PAMr and Mrs McCann have maintained hope throughout Operation Grange’s 15-year operation that Madeleine will be found.
The update on Operation Grange comes after Kate McCann wrote candidly about the lasting trauma following her daughter's disappearance.
Mrs McCann described the incident as a "moment that changes everything," leaving her world permanently cleaved into distinct periods before and after the 2007 tragedy.
She also expressed empathy for families enduring similar ordeals, noting they carry an immense weight of uncertainty while perpetually wondering about their child's welfare.
"That is why, whenever I hear about a young person who feels vulnerable, frightened, or at risk, it resonates so deeply," the mother penned.
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