A man was re-arrested today by police hunting the killer of schoolgirl Sarah Payne.

Roy Whiting, 41, was originally quizzed by Sussex Police about Sarah's suspected abduction soon after she went missing on July 1.

Police searched Whiting's flat in Littlehampton after he was arrested for the first time but he was later released on police bail without charge. He was arrested again today in Crawley, police said.

A Sussex Police spokesman said in a statement: "A man in his 40s, formerly from the Littlehampton area, was arrested in Crawley today and has been taken to an undisclosed police station in Sussex for further questioning by officers investigating the murder of Sarah Payne.

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

Eight-year-old Sarah is believed to have been abducted on July 1 from a field near her grandparents' home near East Preston, which is close to Littlehampton.

Her naked body was found dumped in a field beside the A29 near Pulborough two weeks ago today.

The suspect was not due to answer his bail in connection with the murder inquiry for at least another week.

Police were staying tight-lipped as to whether new evidence or witnesses have been found.

Detectives say Sarah was either strangled or suffocated. There were no obvious signs she had been sexually assaulted but police have little doubt that she was.

Sarah's parents may meet Prime Minister Tony Blair this week to discuss the case.