The Home Office will provide an extra £150,000 for the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, say Sky sources.

Funding for the investigation - dubbed Operation Grange - ran out at the end of September, prompting London's Metropolitan Police to apply for resources to extend it until March 2019.

"We have confirmed that Special Grant funding of £150,000 will be provided to the Metropolitan Police Service for the six-month period to 31 March 2019," a Home Office spokesperson said.

Police bosses have been applying for money to continue inquiries every six months, and the Home Office says it "maintains an ongoing dialogue with the MPS" over funding.

The investigation has cost £11.75m so far.


Madeleine was three when she disappeared from her family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in Portugal while her parents dined with friends in May 2007.

In 2013, with the Portuguese police appearing to have made little progress, the Met began its own investigation with Operation Grange.

The investigation has explored numerous theories about her disappearance, including that Madeleine was abducted, wandered away from her room alone, or died in the apartment.

Image: Kate and Gerry McCann say they still have hope

Madeleine's parents, Gerry and Kate McCann, have been vocal public advocates in the search for their daughter, using social media and television appearances to plead for support in their mission to find the missing girl.

In May, they marked the 11th anniversary of their daughter's disappearance with a post on Facebook and the Find Madeleine website, thanking supporters for their "persisting solidarity".

"Life is full and busy which helps but Madeleine is still missing and she is still dearly missed," they wrote.

"Information continues to come in (incredible as it may seem after so long, although we are grateful for that) and work goes on. Perseverance and hope remain."

Police last received additional funding for the operation in March, when they were given £150,000 set to last until September.

The money comes from special grant funding which is available to police forces when they face exceptional costs.