‘Posh Spice lookalike’ may hold key to Madeleine McCann case

The suspect — described as a "Victoria Beckham-lookalike" — was spotted in Barcelona just over 72 hours after Madeleine vanished in the Algarve.

The investigators working for Madeleine's parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, believe she was abducted from the family's apartment and possibly smuggled on to a yacht and taken to Spain.

The suspect, who appeared agitated, spoke to a British tourist and mentioned a child abduction. Details of the conversation are not being revealed but are said to be "highly significant".

The image has been released in a campaign, concentrated on Spain and Australia, to find the woman.

Dave Edgar, the detective leading the hunt, said: "We are hoping the release of this woman's image will lead to her being identified. This is a strong lead. Madeleine could have got from the Algarve to Barcelona by yacht. It is entirely possible."

The McCanns' spokesman, Clarence Mitchell, said: "It is important that if anybody recognises this woman they should make contact with the investigation team or their local police."

Madeleine was three when she was taken from her bed in an apartment in Praia da Luz on 3 May 2007 while her parents ate at a nearby restaurant.

Three days later, in the early hours of 7 May, a 41-year-old British man spoke to the woman in the Port Olimpic Marina, Barcelona. The witness, who is married and described as a professional, came forward six weeks ago, having kept the encounter to himself for "personal reasons".

The investigators today said: "The witness became aware of a well-dressed woman, who he describes as agitated. She was seen in the area of the El Rey De La Gamba bar for 10 minutes, walking up and down. The witness got up and walked towards the woman and had a short conversation with her. This was potentially significant."

The woman went to another bar where she was involved in a "heated discussion" with another person in what appeared to be fluent Spanish.

She was described as 30 to 35, slim and wearing expensive blue jeans and a jersey, possibly pastel-coloured.

Anyone who may know the woman can call the Madeleine McCann investigation on +44 845 838 4699 or email investigation@findmadeleine.com