Cameron criticised over McCann case

David Cameron's decision to ask Scotland Yard to open a review into the case of Madeleine McCann is likely to cost millions and has sparked a row over political interference in policing.

The move to call in the Metropolitan Police could also divert resources from other police investigations in London. A Met source told The Times that the case was case was "entirely political" but said that because it involved a missing child they would do their very best.

The intervention of the Prime Minister and Theresa May, the Home Secretary, in the case provoked controversy at a time when there are fears that the Government's plans for elected police commissioners will lead to politicians interfering in operations.

Scotland Yard sought to defuse the row by saying: "The commissioner was not ordered by the Prime Minister or Home Secretary to provide expertise to the case. He received a request, which he considered, and took the decision that on balance it was the right thing to do."