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Changes in the
evidence of two of the so-called Tapas Nine could
"dramatically change" the Madeleine McCann
investigation, it was claimed yesterday.
The pair who
allegedly want to correct their version of events
were named yesterday in a Portuguese newspaper as
Russell O'Brien and his partner Jane Tanner.
Miss Tanner has given
a key account of seeing a man carrying a child away
from the McCanns' apartment. Both her and Dr O'Brien
deny that they have contacted police to change their
statements.
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Four of
the Tapas Nine: (clockwise from top
left) Fiona Payne, Jane Tanner, Russell
O' Brien, Rachael Oldfield. Not pictured
are Matthew Oldfield, David Payne, and
Dianne Webster |
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TAPAS9 PHOTOS |
However, according to
police sources the two who want to change details in
their accounts of the night of May 3 were said to
have asked that their names are kept secret to avoid
pressure from those close to the McCanns.
A police source said
any change to the statements of the couple could
alter the course of the six-month investigation. He
said: "The investigation could be changed
dramatically if the two witnesses decide to clarify
what really happened that night."
Officers have
analysed a series of alleged contradictions and
inconsistencies in the statements of the Tapas Nine,
the group who ate together on the night Madeleine
disappeared.
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Missing:
Madeleine disappeared on May 3 while on
holiday in Portugal |
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MADELEINE PHOTOS |
The new focus of the
inquiry led to fears that four of the friends - Miss
Tanner, Dr O'Brien, David Payne and Matthew Oldfield
--could be named as official suspects.
Police said the pair
who wanted to change their accounts contacted
detectives after learning they could be made
arguidos.
Miss Tanner told how
she saw a man carry a child from the McCanns'
apartment at about 9.15pm on the night Madeleine
disappeared.
But another witness,
TV producer Jeremy Wilkins, told police he was
outside the apartment at the same time and did not
see anything.
Her partner Dr
O'Brien, 36, was away from the tapas bar for longest
of any of the group.
He said he left the
table for 25 minutes to look after his daughter, who
had been sick, but other witnesses say he could have
been away for up to 45 minutes.
Miss Tanner described
claims that they were about to change their
statements as "absolute rubbish".
Dr Payne, 41, of
Leicester, and Dr Oldfield, 37, from
Richmond, South-West
London, have also denied that
they want to change their accounts.
McCann family
spokesman Clarence Mitchell insisted it was not true
that any of the group wanted to correct their
statements.
Kate and Gerry McCann
could sue the Portuguese police for £1million for
failing to find their daughter, it was claimed.
Their spokesman
Clarence Mitchell said it was something the couple's
legal team might consider if the inquiry is closed.
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They may have things to add or clarify. Not necessarily change their story.
- D.Mccormack, Carlisle England, 7/11/2007 10:40