Police quiz Sarah suspect

The suspect covered his face with a blue sheet

Detectives are continuing to question a man in connection with the murder of eight-year-old Sarah Payne.

The man, believed to be 41-year-old Roy Whiting, was originally questioned by Sussex police soon after Sarah went missing on 1 July.

Police have up to 36 hours to question him and can apply to magistrates to hold him until Friday lunchtime. He must then be charged or released.

Detectives are planning to stage a number of identity parades for witnesses who have come forward during the course of the inquiry.

Sarah disappeared from a field while playing with her brothers and sister close to her grandparents' home near East Preston, in West Sussex.

Det Supt Peter Kennet is examining "fresh evidence"

Detective Superintendent Peter Kennet, who is now leading the inquiry, said "fresh evidence" was being followed up, although he refused to go into detail.

"Just because someone's arrested it doesn't mean to say that they will be charged," he said.

Police searched Mr Whiting's flat in Littlehampton, West Sussex, after he was arrested for the first time, but he was later released without charge on police bail.

On Monday, police said they had arrested a man in his 40s in Crawley.

A Sussex police spokesman said: "We can confirm that this is the same man who was originally arrested on the evening of Sunday 2 July in connection with her suspected abduction, and who was subsequently released on police bail pending further inquiries."

Family's farewell

Sarah's naked body was found dumped in a field beside the A29 near Pulborough exactly two weeks ago.

Her disappearance sparked a UK-wide hunt involving detectives from many police forces.

Monday's arrest comes a day after the main road beside the spot where Sarah's body was discovered was fully re-opened, after police removed thousands of flowers and tributes from well-wishers.

Sarah Payne: Went missing on 1 July

Despite an earlier decision not to return to the scene, Sarah's family changed their minds at the last moment.

They made one last farewell visit to the spot on Sunday night shortly before the flowers, presents and cards were removed.

They gathered more messages of support left by the roadside and their children Lee, 13, Luke, 11, and Charlotte, six, took toys and flowers home.

The immediate family were joined by Sarah's grandparents, Terry and Lesley, and by her aunts and uncles.

The family may use the toys and other tributes in the memorial service they are planning for Sarah at Guildford Cathedral on 12 August.