Police investigating the disappearance of British girl Madeleine McCann have been granted $137,000 and a six-month extension after identifying a new person of interest in the case.
The 10-year investigation was set to end within weeks, but the new lead has prompted a last ditch attempt to find answers.
Police say they have identified a man who was in Portugal when Maddie disappeared from the villa she was holidaying at with her parents and want to question him.
The fresh lead is strong enough to warrant an extension on the case that has captivate the world for nearly 10 years.
Policing Minister Brandon Lewis, who signed off the new payment, said: “I am pleased to be able to support the British police who are trying to get to the bottom of what happened to Madeleine McCann and give some kind of closure and justice to her family.”
A Home Office spokesman added: “Following an application from the Metropolitan Police for special grant funding the Home Office has confirmed £85,000 in operational costs for Operation Grange for the period April 1 until September 2017.
“As with all applications the resources required are reviewed regularly and careful consideration is given before any new funding is allocated.”
Maddie’s parents Kate and Gerry McCann have worked tirelessly since her disappearance to try to find her, pouring their life’s savings into the investigation.
Combined with police funds, a total $17.9 million has been spent trying to recover Maddie.
There have been numerous leads and false sightings over the years. Last year, police conceded they believed Maddie had been kidnapped and sold into a child trafficking ring in Europe.