'Child abuse' calls followed up

Police said Brian Hughes sent his family a blank Christmas card

Police investigating suspected child abuse have received a number of calls about a man they are seeking after an appeal on the BBC's Crimewatch show.

Brian Hughes, 63, from Overslade, Rugby, Warwickshire, has been missing since July 2007.

Police want to speak to him about suspected abuse over a 40-year period and the alleged rape of a girl.

Investigator Peter Herring said the appeal went well and prompted a number of calls after the programme.

"All lines of inquiry will be followed up and I would continue to actively encourage anyone who of the whereabouts of this man to contact police," he said.

Since he went missing, Mr Hughes' family have received phone calls and a blank Christmas card from him.