Hindley and her partner, Ian Brady, were both jailed for life 21 years ago for the murders of Lesley Ann Downey, John Kilbride and Edward Evans in the 1960s.

But files were kept open on two more missing children, and a huge police search has been launched on Saddleworth Moor, near Oldham, where the pair buried the bodies of two of their victims.

Hindley recently confessed knowledge and involvement in the deaths of Pauline Reade and Keith Bennett after receiving a letter from the boy's mother.

'Body dogs'

Detectives arrived at the 1,500 ft (457m) high stretch of moorland between Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire at dawn.

The team included handlers for eight "body dogs", which are specially trained to detect human remains.

And the officer in charge of the hunt, Detective Chief Superintendent Peter Topping, admitted it was possible his officers may find more than two bodies.

"I've got an open mind - I wouldn't be surprised if we found more, but that is speculation," he said.

Brady has so far said nothing about the renewed search on Saddleworth Moor, but the latest developments are said to have plunged him into the "depths of despair".

Police have said they may wish to interview him soon.

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