The Maltese police said yesterday that since Monday they had received another five reports from people claiming they had seen the abducted Madeleine McCann in various parts of the island.

The police said that Maltese and tourists said they had seen Madeleine in Bugibba, Rabat, St Julian’s, Qawra and Sliema.

In all the reported cases, the girl was allegedly seen in the company of different people – including foreigners.

The police said they are investigating these reports, while keeping close contact with the foreign police involved with the case.