The police in Portugal are dropping their investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann due to a lack of evidence, according to reports.

Madeleine went missing in Portugal’s Algarve region during a family holiday last May, shortly before her fourth birthday.

After a widespread investigation, local police named her parents Kate and Gerry McCann and a local man as formal suspects in the case.

All three people have denied any involvement in her disappearance.

Two Portuguese newspapers reported on Tuesday that police were winding down their inquiries but could reopen the case if new evidence emerges.

Madeleine, of Rothley, Leicestershire, disappeared in Praia da Luz on 3 May 2007. Her family say they are awaiting confirmation of the reports.

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