Stagg says he has murder evidence

Colin Stagg, acquitted by an Old Bailey judge two years ago of murdering Rachel Nickel, yesterday requested pounds 4,000 to show evidence he says proves he did not commit the crime.

Mr Stagg issued a statement claiming he had material which could point to the killer of Rachel, who was stabbed to death four years ago on Wimbledon Common in south-west London. It read: "I am in possession of new evidence that could help find out who the real killer is. A woman came to see us with more details. But I am not willing to name her without being paid." Later, he denied asking for pounds 4,000 to help find the real killer of Rachel. He said he wanted the cash to refute allegations in the Mail on Sunday at the weekend. Michael Streeter