Police want 'mafia wife' returned

Colonnello Diego Eramo wants Ms Hathaway sent back to Italy

Italian police say they want the wife of a mafia boss to return to Italy to answer questions about her alleged involvement in a crime empire.

A warrant is out for the arrest of Ann Hathaway, wife of Antonio Rinzivillo - jailed for 30 years for murder and drug trafficking.

The 44-year-old, now in Manchester, is wanted for alleged mafia association by the Italian authorities.

Police said they are hoping Ms Hathaway will be sent back to Italy.

The warrant follows the arrest of 88 people by investigators.

Colonnello Diego Eramo, from the Italian police, told BBC News they believe the mother-of-two was an intermediary between her husband in prison and people outside.

Rinzivillo was said to be second to mafia boss Bernardo Provenzano

He said that while Rinzivillo was in jail they believe "she continued to work for the family".

She was living in Rome, but is now believed to be back near her family in Middleton.

Mr Eramo said: "We are hoping with the issue of this arrest warrant that she will be sent back to Italy to answer questions."

Ms Hathaway's arrest warrant was signed by Gela-based investigating magistrate Gianbattista Iona on 12 December. Interpol is now dealing with the case.

At one stage her husband's power was so great he was said to be the Mafia's number two behind Bernardo Provenzano, who was arrested last year after more than 40 years on the run.

Rinzivillo is serving 30 years in prison for murder and drug trafficking. He was sentenced after being convicted of the murder of a Milan lawyer, Antonio Mirabelle.

Italian police also seized more than £14m in family assets including two building companies, a supermarket, pizzeria and two haulage firms as part of the operation.