UK paedophile probed over Madeleine

Last Updated: Friday, 22 May 2009, 04:07 GMT

- Search: Madeleine McCann disappearance

A convicted paedophile is being investigated in connection with the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.

Briton Raymond Hewlett was staying near Praia da Luz, in Portugal, when the three-year-old went missing in May 2007, according to reports.

Hewlett has been jailed several times for sexual offences against young girls.

A source close to the investigation said he is wanted for questioning by police forces in Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, and Leicestershire, as well as by the Republic of Ireland's gardai.

The Daily Mirror published a picture of the 64-year-old who, the paper said, was being treated for throat cancer in a German hospital.

Clarence Mitchell, spokesman for Madeleine's parents Kate and Gerry, said Hewlett was a line of inquiry being looked at by investigators working for the couple from Rothley in Leicestershire.

Mr Mitchell said: "We are aware of Raymond Hewlett and the claims that have been made about him in some newspapers.

"The investigators searching for Madeleine are currently looking into the circumstances surrounding these claims.

"Mr Hewlett is an individual of interest to the Madeleine investigation but I would stress it is just one line of inquiry. Beyond that I can't really go into any further operational detail."

He said Madeleine's parents were "fully aware" of the development and added that the couple's investigators had been in Portugal for the last week.

Sphere: Related Content