Katie Hopkins reported to police
Katie Hopkins latest tweets about the parents of Madeleine McCann have caused outrage for their insenstivity Getty

Former Apprentice contestant Katie Hopkins has provoked a flurry of protests for her tweet on Brenda Leyland: "How many more must die before the McCann's accept their negligence is at the heart of their grief?"

Hopkins was referring to the death of Leyland, who was accused of sending hurtful online messages to Kate and Gerry about their missing daughter, Madeleine.

The 63-year-old posted a string of comments using the Twitter handle @sweepyface to the McCanns, including: "Q 'how long must the Mccanns suffer' answer 'for the rest of their miserable lives'."

Her body was found in a room at the four-star Marriott Hotel in Enderby, just 10 miles from the McCanns' home in Rothley, Leics, on Saturday afternoon.

A police spokesman said the death was not suspicious and added: "Identification of the deceased is a matter for the coroner."

Mrs Leyland's son Ben wrote on his Facebook page: "I love you mum and I will miss you forever."

Kate and Gerry McCann pose with a computer generated image of how their missing daughter Madeleine might look now (Reuters)
Kate and Gerry McCann were subjected to a hate campaign by Brenda Leyland.

Hopkins, a Sun columnist, was challenged by many for her comments on Twitter including the royal correspondent Jenni Bond, who tweeted: "I cannot believe you have just written that."

"Believe it - and get over yourself," Hopkins responded. "Plenty think it. Imagine if I left my children alone and went out. Forgiveness?"

Comedian Dom Joly also waded into the argument, saying: "I honestly lose the will to live when faced with people like you."

He added: "But the really terrible thing is that @kthopkins doesn't even believe most of the shit she spouts - it's just an income."

Hopkins went on to defend her position, believing the debate was a class issue.

Some Twitter users agreed with Hopkins and were scathing about Leyland's treatment by the press, as she was doorstepped by Sky News Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt.

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