The cost of the search for Madeleine McCann will top £10 million – double the original estimate, it has been revealed.
But the Home Office defended the cost, telling the Mirror: "The Government believes it is right that it does all it can to support the search for Madeleine McCann.
"The Home Office will continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police to review and control the costs appropriately and to ensure that the investigation has the resources it requires."
The news comes as a new Portuguese prosecutor takes charge of the hunt for Madeleine, who disappeared from her holiday apartment when she was three years old in 2007.
Ines Sequeira said he is 'utterly determined' to solve the case.
Metropolitan Police officers are planning to return to the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz to re-interview three suspects and have sent a sent a fifth letter to Portuguese officers requesting access to the investigation, which has thrown up seven suspects.
The cost of the investigation was revealed to the Mirror following a Freedom of Information request.
It showed the bill for 2014/2015 is expected to be 'broadly in line with previous years'. That will take the total to above £10 million.
Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry, have been assured the search will go on for the 'foreseeable future'.
A spokesman for the family said: "Madeleine's parents remain extremely grateful for the work carried out by officers from Operation Grange in the continued search for their daughter."