POLICE have been given a £350,000 cash boost to try to nail a prime suspect in Madeleine McCann's disappearance.

The controversial inquiry, Operation Grange, has already cost taxpayers £12.5million since it was launched in 2011.

And the Home Office has now approved a Metropolitan Police request for extra funding, The Sun Online can reveal.

It comes after Met Police Cressida Dick the search for Madeleine will continue until there is "nothing left to do".

A Home Office spokesperson said: "The Government has provided up to £350,000 for Operation Grange in 2021-22.

"In line with our Special Grant processes, funding for Operation Grange is approved on an annual basis. 

"Ministers have approved a request for £349,328 of funding for this financial year.”

PRIME SUSPECT

Madeleine disappeared in May 2007 from the holiday apartment she was staying in at Praia da Luz on Portugal's Algarve coast.

Convicted paedophile and rapist Christian B was named by German police last year as the prime suspect for her abduction and murder.

German and British police are working together to gather vital evidence – with dramatic new clues coming to light recently.

But he is yet to be quizzed over Madeleine's disappearance and claims he is innocent.

A boost to the fund granted by the Home Office in 2018 ran out -with Scotland Yard bosses demanding more cash given the dramatic development.

'NEVER GIVE UP'

Madeleine's parents Kate and Gerry have also raised £773,629 if the money ever dries up.

It comes after the couple said "we're never going to give up" as they paid tribute to their daughter on her 18th birthday on May 12.

And they posted a poignant tribute to mark the milestone, telling her: "We love you and we’re waiting for you and we’re never going to give up.”

The message accompanies a cherished last photo of her as a three-year-old, beaming under a sun hat.

Kate and Gerry left gifts in Madeleine's bedroom, which has remained untouched since she vanished 14 years ago.

GP-turned-medical worker Kate, 53, and heart doc Gerry, 52, said online: “This year it is particularly poignant as we should be celebrating Madeleine’s 18th birthday.”

They continued: “As we have said repeatedly, we need to know what has happened to our lovely daughter, no matter what.

"We are very grateful to the police for their continued efforts. We hang on to the hope, however small, that we will see Madeleine again.”

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