Madeleine McCann: German paedophile is new suspect in police investigation, reports say

A German man convicted of murder and child sex abuse is reportedly the focus of police enquiries in the Madeleine McCann investigation.

Portuguese police have expanded the probe into the 2007 disappearance of the British girl from a resort in Praia da Luz after receiving new details about the case from Scotland Yard.

Detectives are believed to have identified Martin Ney – a 48-year-old imprisoned in Germany in 2012 for murdering three children and sexually abusing dozens of others – as a suspect.

London's Metropolitan Police passed fresh information to Portuguese colleagues about a “foreign paedophile” who was in Portugal in May 2007, the Lisbon-based Expresso newspaper reported last week.

Clarence Mitchell, a spokesperson for the McCann family, said Ney had previously been questioned and denied abducting Madeleine – last seen while on holiday at a resort in Praia da Luz with her parents on 3 May 2007.

“It might be him and he fits the profile, he is a known predatory paedophile and he’s a foreigner,” he told MailOnline. “It is quite possible and plausible police are looking at him again but it could be someone else.”

Mr Mitchell added: “Ney has been previously interviewed by detectives over Madeleine’s abduction, and denied it. He is in a German jail now.”

The 48-year-old resembles an e-fit image issued by the Metropolitan Police in 2013 of a man seen by near the McCanns’ apartment complex in Praia da Luz on 3 May.

According to Portugal’s CMTV network, police have recently increased the number of detectives in the case, but are still looking at more than one suspect.

It comes after Scotland asked for more funding as it continues to follow up leads in the disappearance.

British police launched their own investigation, Operation Grange, in 2013 after a Portuguese inquiry failed to make progress. They have been applying for money from the Home Office every six months to continue the inquiry, which has cost about £11.75 million so far.

Metropolitan Police commissioner Cressida Dick said earlier this week the force was pursuing “active lines of inquiry and I think the public would expect us to see those through”.

The reports come on the 12th anniversary of Madeleine’s disappearance as her mother Kate attended an emotional prayer vigil at her home village in Rothley, Leicestershire, marking the occasion.

Madeleine’s father Gerry, a heart doctor, was reportedly in Italy on work business as Kate and her twins Sean and Amelie attended the service at a local Baptist church.

Madeleine’s parents have always pledged never to give up the search for their daughter.

In a statement on Friday, they said: “The months and years roll by too quickly, Madeleine will be 16 this month.

“It’s impossible to put into words just how that makes us feel. There is comfort and reassurance though in knowing that the investigation continues and many people around the world remain vigilant. Thank you to everyone who continues to support us and for your ongoing hope and belief.”