Suspected child abuser TV appeal

Police said Brian Hughes sent his family a blank Christmas card

Detectives looking for a suspected paedophile have made a nationwide appeal on the BBC's Crimewatch programme over his whereabouts.

Brian Hughes, 63, from Overslade in Rugby, Warwickshire, went missing in July 2007.

Police suspect him of abusing children over a 40 year period, including raping a young girl.

Officers believe he may be living elsewhere within a family environment and grooming other children.

Investigator Peter Herring said: "We are aware of four victims, girls and boys - one of whom was four - but we fear there may be others who haven't come forward.

"It is essential to trace him and I would ask anyone who believes they know where Hughes is, to call police immediately."

Shortly after he went missing, Mr Hughes contacted his family by telephone saying he was safe and well and in Milton Keynes.

A few days later he said he was in Derby.

His family then got a blank Christmas card but have not heard anything since.