MADELEINE McCann’s case could see a major breakthrough in just one week if crucial DNA samples were re-tested, a leading forensics expert has claimed.

Dr Mark Perlin has offered to re-analyse 18 "inconclusive" DNA samples from the investigation – but Met Police detectives have so far snubbed the suggestion.

6 Madeleine McCann was three when she disappeared in a family holiday in May 2007 Credit: PA:Press Association

6 DNA samples from Kate and Gerry McCann's hired Renault Scenic proved inconclusive in 2007 Credit: PA:Press Association

He believes new techniques used by his Pittsburgh lab Cybernetics – which identified 9/11 victims – can finally reveal what happened to Maddie.

When asked how long the tests would take, Dr Perlin told the Daily Star: “What we actually need is the electronic data that comes out of the laboratory off their instruments.

“That’s the standard starting point for DNA analysis.

“It would take us one to two weeks, depending on the data, after we receive it to provide some initial preliminary report.”

Madeleine was just three-years-old when she disappeared while on a family holiday in Portugal in May 2007.

CRUCIAL DNA SWABS

DNA samples were taken from swabs lifted from the McCann family's holiday flat and hire car after sniffer dogs allegedly detected the "scent of death".

This crucial swab was from the boot of a silver Renault Scenic that Kate and Gerry McCann leased 25 days after Madeleine vanished in Praia da Luz.

It was one of 18 complex DNA samples, which are potentially loaded with vital clues about Madeleine's disappearance.

Cops reached a dead end when the tests came back inconclusive 12 years ago.

But US expert Dr Perlin reckons new techniques could blow the case wide open.

NEW TECHNIQUES

He previously told Nine's podcast investigation: "If a lab can produce informative data, even if it is complex and mixed, but they can't interpret it then you can have tremendous injustice - of guilty people not being convicted, or innocent people staying in prison.

"What is needed is an objective and accurate interpretation that can scientifically resolve the DNA."

Top British detective Colin Sutton has supported Dr Perlin’s call for further tests, saying it could be a real “game changer”.

MOST READ IN NEWS EAT IN OR TAKE OUT? Chaos & confusion over whether cafes will HAVE to offer table service CLUB FURY Footballer who beat girlfriend & forced her to eat paint signs to new club Latest COP CHASE TRAGEDY 2 men dead and 2 women and man injured in police chase in Manchester DOG BITE DEATH Dog owner, 35, mauled to death by family pet while having an epileptic fit CREEPY CRAWLERS Dozens of horrifying 3ft-long robber crabs invade family's campsite BBQ Exclusive RISHI DISHES HELP Chancellor to extend furlough for staff worst hit as Covid threat returns

Kate and Gerry McCann have repeatedly denied any involvement in their daughter's disappearance and were cleared of wrongdoing.

Police believe Madeleine was snatched by a paedophile or a member of a trafficking gang.

Scotland Yard is waiting hear if the Home Office will grant a further £150,000 to continue its £12million search for another 12 months.

Maddie: Video of sniffer dogs by rental car and in apartment of parents of Madeleine McCann in Praia da Luz

6 Sniffer dog Eddie barks urgently next to a wardrobe in Kate and Gerry McCann's bedroom in Praia da Luz Credit: Netflix

6 A spaniel signals to its handler beside the McCanns' hire car months after Madeleine disappeared Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

6 Cops claimed they had recovered DNA from the boot but tests proved inconclusive Credit: Police

6 US expert Dr Mark Perlin reckons new techniques could potentially reveal crucial evidence Credit: LinkedIn

Madeleine McCann - Key places of importance at the Portugal holiday apartment where the three-year-old was last seen before her disappearance

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.