It's obvious that those words in bold above (including 'hellish lair') are the reporters words - added to sensationalise the article. Reporters do it all the time.
The idea that Edgar would actually say 'I have some grim theories - the most chilling one being that Madeleine is languishing in a hellish lair' is pure nonsense.
I agree with Davel - a good example of chinese whispers - where a person puts their own interpretation on what has been said to them.
IMO
Well, what a surprising response.
Why hasn't Edgar objected to those articles where this is mentioned ?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Meanwhile I found this.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"He feels this is the lone prowler who has Maddie stashed in a cellar or dungeon in the lawless villages around Praia da Luz."
"Former detective inspector Dave Edgar, who is leading the hunt, made a secret visit to Praia da Luz at the beginning of last week."
http://frommybigdesk.blogspot.co.uk/2010/01/madeleine-mccann-may-be-alive-and.html