New photo of McCann suspect to be released - report

A new picture of a possible suspect connected to the disappearance of Madeleine McCann will be released by UK police, a news report says.

Sky News reported that British detectives investigating Madeleine's disappearance are to issue the "e-fit", but Scotland Yard would neither confirm nor deny the claim.

Police said in a statement that they wouldn't discuss the content on an upcoming appeal.

They said the appeal had been weeks in the planning.

"We will be asking for help from the public in a number of countries, delivered through a series of public appeals," the statement said.

"We will do nothing to jeopardise the effectiveness of these appeals and we have repeatedly stated that media speculation can be damaging to our efforts."

Madeleine disappeared from her family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in the Algarve on May 3 2007 as her parents dined at a nearby restaurant with friends.

British detectives launched a fresh investigation in July this year - two years into a review of the case - and a new BBC Crimewatch appeal on the case is to be aired on Monday.

The appeal will include a reconstruction of the "latest, most detailed understanding" of the events around the time Madeleine went missing.

Scotland Yard has revealed a vast log of mobile phone traffic could be the key to finding out what happened to the girl.

Madeleine's parents have said they remain "optimistic" of finding their daughter and will not accept she is dead until they are presented with clear evidence.

The Metropolitan Police now has a team of six Portuguese detectives based in Faro who are carrying out inquiries on its behalf.

- PA