POLICE have been carrying out road checks in their hunt for a paedophile who snatched a six-year-old girl from her bath.

Uniformed officers spoke to more than 60 motorists, as well as pedestrians, coming in and out of Willington Quay, North Tyneside on Tuesday night - a week after the child was dumped, naked and shivering.

The abductor had driven his victim on a circular trip lasting up to 15 minutes, and witnesses came forward to say they had seen a car driving around the close-knit community.

The checks allowed police to eliminate some of those sightings.

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Napier said last night: "The operation helped us build up a more accurate picture of the routine traffic, both vehicles and people, in and around Willington Quay on a normal Tuesday evening.

"We will be following up a number of lines of inquiry as a result of what people told us last night.

"It also means we will be able to eliminate a number of vehicle sightings, bringing us closer to being able to identify the type of car that may have been involved in this crime."

Mr Napier reassured local people that officers would continue to carry out high-visibility patrols in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0191-214 6555, extension 63806.