Milly Dowler disappeared on her way home from school in March 2002

The killing of the 13-year-old Surrey girl, who was known as Milly, is one of a number of unsolved murders Scotland Yard are talking to their Spanish counterparts about.

They are looking into the movements in the UK of Tony King, the so-called "Holloway Strangler", who was convicted of a number of sexual assaults on women in London 17 years ago.

He is being held in Spain in connection with the deaths of the two young women.

Commander Andy Baker, who heads Scotland Yard's murder squad, confirmed that Milly's case was one of those being investigated in relation to King's movements.

We are examining a total of six unsolved offences in the UK, four murders and two rapes Scotland Yard

Ten officers manning Operation Washfield are liaising with Spanish Police and co-ordinating all the information from UK police forces interested in King.

A Scotland Yard source stressed there was nothing yet to link King directly to Milly's murder.

A spokesman added: "We have received six inquiries from five UK police forces regarding King/Bromwich. We are examining a total of six unsolved offences in the UK, four murders and two rapes.

"We are in close liaison with Surrey Police because Milly Dowler's murder remains unsolved."

£50,000 reward

Former Scotland Yard Commander John 'O'Connor told BBC News detectives would assess a large amount evidence relating to these unsolved crimes before "identifying the linking factors and preparing a questionnaire for an interrogation of King".

Milly disappeared in March last year as she walked home from school in Walton-on-Thames in Surrey.

Her remains were discovered in Yateley Heath Woods in Hampshire on 20 September last year.

Despite intensive police investigations - and a reward of £50,000 put up by Surrey Police and Crimewatch - the case remains open.

Changed name

The Surrey force says it has no plans to send officers to Spain.

King, now 38, was jailed in the UK in 1986 when he was using the name Tony Bromwich.

It is believed he was released in 1995, changed his name to King and moved to Spain in 1997 where he took up work as a barman.