LONDON – The family of missing girl Madeleine McCann yesterday confirmed newspaper reports that a convicted paedophile wanted by British police is being investigated in connection with her disappearance.
A British citizen, Raymond Hewlett, was staying near Praia da Luz, in Portugal, when the then three-year-old went missing in May 2007, according to reports. Hewlett, a former soldier who grew up in Blackpool, has been jailed several times for sexual offences against young girls.
He is wanted for questioning by West Yorkshire police in connection with a case dating back more than 30 years.
The Daily Mirroryesterday published a picture of the 64-year-old who, it said, was being treated for throat cancer in a German hospital.
Clarence Mitchell, spokesman for Madeleine’s parents Kate and Gerry, said Hewlett was being looked at by investigators working for the couple from Rothley in Leicestershire.
The alarm was raised about Hewlett by a couple who met him while on holiday in Portugal, the newspaper said. Alan and Cindy Thompson said Hewlett was living with his wife and six children in a converted Dodge truck travelling from campsite to campsite.
Mr Thompson (56) told the Mirrorthat Hewlett said he was approached by some "Gipsy tourists" offering to buy his daughter just before Madeleine went missing.
Earlier this week, the Thompsons contacted Hewlett to question him about his movements, the Mirror reported. He denied involvement in the abduction. – (Reuters)