Raymond Hewlett agrees to speak to McCann detectives

A British paedophile has agreed to talk to detectives investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. Two former detectives employed by the little girl's family flew to Aachen in Germany - where Raymond Hewlett is in hospital - in the hopes they could quiz him about his movements around the time that Madeleine went missing. But they failed to gain access to him and were waiting for a "definitive response" to their interview request. Earlier on Tuesday, Hewlett emerged from the hospital in a wheelchair and told reporters he would speak to the McCanns' private detectives. He denies having any involvement in Madeleine's disappearance. The 64-year-old is alleged to have been staying around an hour's drive from the McCanns' holiday flat in Praia da Luz, Portugal, when Madeleine vanished on May 3, 2007. McCann family spokesman Clarence Mitchell said: "The investigators are pleased to hear that Mr Hewlett has agreed to speak to them. An interview with him will be arranged and will take place in due course." He continued: "We will not be going into public detail about where or when that interview will take place. "Mr Hewlett has again denied any involvement in Madeleine's abduction, and if it helps to eliminate him from the private investigation then he has done the right thing by indicating that he will speak to the investigators currently helping Kate and Gerry McCann." Hewlett, a former soldier who previously lived in Blackpool and Telford, was jailed several times for sexually assaulting young girls and is now wanted for questioning by British detectives in connection with a separate indecent assault. West Yorkshire Police also confirmed its officers want to speak to Hewlett, but did not reveal further details. Madeleine was nearly four when she went missing from her family's holiday apartment while her parents dined with friends nearby. Despite a massive police investigation and huge publicity worldwide she has not been found.

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ITN | May 26, 2009

Tags:. .paedophile. .indecent. .praia. .telford. .aachen