London, Oct 14 : A bloody footprint was found in the holiday apartment of missing Madeleine McCann's parents, matching a print found in their hire car, according to a forensic report in British newspaper The Mail.

The new evidence, never been revealed until now, is fundamental to renewed suspicion that Kate and Gerry McCann were involved in their daughter's disappearance.

A forensic report shown to the newspaper has revealed that there is a chance the blood could be that of the missing four-year-old who vanished from her family's apartment in Portugal on May 3. However, the results are inconclusive.

Parts of the report said police officers investigating the McCann's apartment in Praia da Luz saw a "partial footprint mark", in the shape of a size 5 or 6 shoe, just outside the bedroom.

The report said that it appeared to have a blood imprint that is visible to the naked eye.

Analysis has revealed that the footprint in the villa matches one found above the bumper bar of the McCann's rented car, a print which Portuguese police suppose is consistent with someone lifting something in and out of a boot.

However, a source close to the investigation has played down the suggestions.

"There could be 101 reasons why someone would put their foot on the car in this way," the Daily Mail quoted the source, as saying.

Experts were also unable to find any traces of blood in bumper bar print.

"In short, it cannot be said the blood belongs to Madeleine. If other strong evidence accompanied it — for example, that someone was seen emerging from the apartment with a hammer — then a lawyer might find it of some use. But on its own it is of little value,” the source said.

Meanwhile, investigators are looking into an allegation made by a nanny who says she saw a man dropped a "bundle" into the Atlantic Ocean in Praia da Luz around 11:30pm on the night Maddie went missing.

Police have said the claim is "credible", but are still treating it with caution.

Pennington said the man's jacket had a yellow reflective hood, and for her to have seen him in the dark, the boat would have had to be close to shore.

Police believe the bright jacket hardly indicates a man who wanted to remain undetected. (ANI)