Police hunt paedophiles after US arrest

More than 700 Scots could be linked to child porn

The police have confirmed that they are trying to trace members of an internet pornography ring living in Scotland.

It follows the arrest of a businessman at Houston in the United States.

A Texan, Mark Bates, allegedly established a child porn site called Candyman.

More than 7,000 users of the internet site in Britain are being investigated.

Lord James has asked for assurances

It includes 742 web users in Scotland.

The Scottish Conservative's justice spokesman, Lord James Douglas Hamilton, said he was concerned that a four month delay in the investigation may have allowed suspects to destroy evidence.

The Scottish justice department said it would be inappropriate to comment on an active police operation.

In a letter to the Justice Minister, Jim Wallace, Lord James wrote: "I understand that more than 700 suspected paedophiles are being sought in Scotland by the police arising out of an FBI probe.

Police investigations

"I will be grateful for your assurance that the police will make every effort to protect children in Scotland and that the necessary enquiries will be made into the alleged cases in Scotland.

"Can you please let me know what progress has been made by the police.

"In particular have all the alleged suspects been interviewed?"

Lord James has asked the authorities if all relevant computer equipment and items have been been seized.

He has also asked what stage police inquiries have reached.