British police were today hoping to interview a former Shropshire convicted paedophile who is being investigated over Madeleine McCann’s disappearance.

Raymond Hewlett, 64, who used to live in Telford, is alleged to have been staying near the McCanns’ holiday flat in Praia da Luz, Portugal, when the little girl went missing in May 2007.

Former car dealer Hewlett was jailed for sexually assaulting young girls.

He is now reportedly being treated for throat cancer in hospital in the German city of Aachen, but is wanted for questioning by British detectives.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed they were seeking Hewlett, formerly of Wellsfield, Woodside, in connection with an indecent assault in 1975.

“We have made contact with the German authorities. We are just waiting for clearance so we can actually go and speak to him regarding that incident,” a spokeswoman said.

Two retired UK detectives hired by Madeleine’s parents hope to interview Hewlett with the help of British police.

Hewlett’s son Wayne, 40, said today he had severed all ties with his father.

“I’m ashamed of the things he has done. I know he has cancer but I don’t care whether he lives or dies. I despise the man.”

Questions were raised about Hewlett’s time in Portugal by a couple, Alan and Cindy Thompson.

He allegedly told them he was approached by some “gipsy tourists” offering to buy his daughter just before Madeleine went missing.

Hewlett said he was at a market 30 miles from Praia da Luz, when Madeleine vanished.