A police investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann has been dealt a major blow with a key witness thought to be threatening to stop assisting officers
A police investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann has been dealt a major blow with a key witness thought to be threatening to stop assisting officers.
A former friend of prime suspect Christian B helped police with their case by giving a damning statement against the convicted sex offender.
However, sources claim their key witness is “wobbling” and threatening to stop helping.
A statement by Helge B - a former friend of Christian B - has become the basis of a German investigation.
According to the key statement, Christian B claimed "she didn't scream" as the pair discussed Madeleine's case while out drinking.
But reports now suggest the witness could soon back out and refuse to support his claims in court.
“Word is that Helge B is about to withdraw his evidence," a source told the Sun.
“He was paid a huge sum to repeat his statement in a German newspaper and now he’s pulling the plug.
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“It just goes to show you what type of people you are dealing with — and their credibility as witnesses.”
Police plan to bring Christian B to court for the suspected abduction and murder of three-year-old Madeleine in Portugal in 2007.
Helge B lived on the Algarve around the time of Madeleine’s disappearance and befriended Christian B through their criminal career.
McCann probe prosecutor Hans Christian Wolters said he was unaware of Helge B's possible change of mind, but insisted his statement would still carry weight.
He said: “Anyone who has said something must be measured by it. Witnesses are subject to the duty of truth — they have to testify. You can’t just choose something like that.”
It follows reports that Christian B has written letters to friends asking them to back him if he goes on trial.
A former friend said: “I know of two people on the Algarve who got the messages. It really freaked them out.”
