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Victoria Climbie's great aunt will be required to give evidence in person to the public inquiry looking into the girl's death.

Counsel to the inquiry Neil Garnham QC, said he would be writing to Marie-Therese Kouao's representatives for confirmation that Kouao would answer questions put to her or for detailed reasons if she would not.

Following legal advice, Kouao has previously refused to submit a written response to the inquiry for fear of influencing her appeal case.

Kouao and her boyfriend Carl Manning were both sentenced to life for murder and cruelty to a child in January 2001.

Garnham said the inquiry would then decide whether or not to issue a summons.

If a summons was issued, any further refusal on Kouao's part to answer questions could then be referred on to the attorney general.

Garnham also suggested the inquiry be adjourned to a local crown court for Kouao's evidence in order to address security issues. It was proposed that Manning would be asked to give oral evidence via a video link.