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​Madeleine McCann Detectives Apply For More Funding For Search

​Madeleine McCann Detectives Apply For More Funding For Search

The Home Office has confirmed that it is now ‘considering’ the application for funding to continue for another six months

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Detectives investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann have applied for further funding, so that the search for the missing girl can continue.

Madeline disappeared in May 2007 while she was on holiday with her family in Praia da Luz, a resort town in the Algarve, Portugal.

Since her disappearance over a decade ago, a global search has been underway - and her story remains one of the world's biggest mysteries, more than 11 years on. However, her parents are trying to hold on to the hope that Madeleine is still alive.

PA

Home Office funding for the investigation - named Operation Grange - was expected to run out at the end of September.

Following the request for more cash, the Home Office has confirmed that it is now 'considering' the application for funding to continue for another six months.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "We have received and are considering a request to extend funding for Operation Grange until the end of March 2019."

The spokesperson also denied reports that Operation Grange would close at the end of the month if the Home Office's decision was still pending, adding: "Funding for Special Grant applications can be paid retrospectively for operational work already done in the same financial year.

"It is therefore incorrect to suggest that the MPS would have to discontinue its operational work after 30 September 2018 unless additional funds were provided in advance of this date."

They continued: "Special Grant funding is usually available to police forces when they face significant or exceptional costs.

"The cost of Operation Grange - which, to date, is £11.6m - has been met through Special Grant funding."

The spokesperson also confirmed there was an 'ongoing dialogue' with the Metropolitan Police Service regarding funding.

Madeleine's dad, Gerry, recently spoke out about the impact the ordeal has had on his mental health, revealing he has battled with depression and grief.

Talking about his struggles in an interview with BBC Radio 4, it's believed that Gerry granted the interview in a bid to help raise awareness about mental health, as well as to ease the stigma surrounding men talking openly and honestly about their emotions.

According to MailOnline, he said: "I decided it was a good opportunity to say something about the special bond between fathers and daughters, thinking that speaking openly might help other men in similar positions."

Gerry added: "It feels like the right time."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: World News, News, UK, Madeleine McCann