Watch the first trailer for Netflix's Madeleine McCann's documentary

Finding Madeleine McCann, the controversial new documentary from Netflix, has been criticised by the missing girl’s parents.

Kate and Gerry McCann, who’s daughter Madeleine disappeared from a hotel resort in Portugal aged three in 2007, have released a statement denouncing the programme from the streaming giant, claiming it ‘could potentially hinder’ the ongoing police investigation.

The streaming company has released the first trailer for the 8-part documentary, which is available to stream now.

In a joint statement released earlier this month, the couple said: “We are aware that Netflix are planning to screen a documentary about Madeleine’s disappearance.

“The production company told us that they were making the documentary and asked us to participate.

“We did not see and still do not see how this programme will help the search for Madeleine and, particularly given there is an active police investigation, could potentially hinder it. Consequently, our views and preferences are not reflected in the programme.

“We will not be making any further statements or giving interviews regarding this programme.”

In a comment made to The Guardian yesterday, Clarence Mitchell, the family’s former spokesman, said: “Kate and Gerry and their wider family and friends were approached some months ago to participate in the documentary. Kate and Gerry didn’t ask for it and don’t see how it will help the search for Maddie on a practical level, so they chose not to engage.”

Netflix reportedly commissioned the documentary back in 2017, after a appetite for true crime and cold-case programmes emerged after the success of shows such as Making a Murderer. The trailer was released today (14 March), with the full programme is set to be released on Netflix Friday (15 March).

The announcement has been met with excitement on social media. @LamontJunior tweeted: “If you really think I’d waste any of my time, watching the Netflix “Madeleine McCann” documentary then you’d be absolutely right. Bring on tomorrow.”

@Sophsjonesy said: “omg as if the Madeleine McCann documentary is on Netflix tomorrow – that’s my weekend sorted.”