THE parents of Madeleine McCann are facing more controversy after a Portuguese crime expert made more unfounded claims over their daughter’s disappearance.

Kate and Gerry McCann, who are approaching the painful decade milestone since Madeleine vanished, have been at the centre of criticism in recent weeks.

Glasgow Times:

The latest attack comes from criminal investigator Moita Flores who has lashed out against the toddler’s parents, saying: “Maddie died in that apartment, I have no doubt."

The writer and commentator, was once attached to the Policia Judiciaria involved in the search for Madeleine.

His claims come as police search for a worker from the Algarve resort they believe has clues about her disappearance.

Clarence Mitchell, spokesman for the McCann's, told The Sun Online: “Kate and Gerry will not be fuelling any of this pure speculation with any comment whatsoever.”

Glasgow Times:

His comments were reported on a Portuguese website on Tuesday, where Flores asked: “Why this child when there are so many others who have disappeared?

He was referring to ex-GP Kate, 49, and heart doctor Gerry, 48, whose three-year-old daughter vanished from the family’s apartment in Praia da Luz while they were dining nearby with pals dubbed the “Tapas Seven.”

His views echo those of retired Portuguese police chief Goncalo Amaral who recently won a long-running libel battle against the McCanns on appeal.

Mr Flores is now urging British police to put some of their new £85,000 Home Office funding towards conducting a reconstruction in the resort.

He said: “It is the only way to resolve the case.”

Mr Amarall ed the initial hunt for Madeleine and has previously called for her parents and their holiday friends to fly to Portugal to relive the fateful night in May 2007.

He has always stated a full reconstruction could produce a vital breakthrough in the £13 million Scotland Yard investigation.

Ten years on from their daughter Maddie’s disappearance, Kate and Gerry have said that a police reconstruction after so many years would be “pointless.”