A NORTH Staffordshire chef facing extradition to Italy on murder charges could be freed this week after friends uncovered vital evidence.

Edmond Arapi was arrested in connection with the October 2004 killing as he returned to Gatwick Airport last week following a family holiday.

The 29-year-old Albanian, who has lived in Leek for nine years and works at the Travellers Rest pub in Leekbrook, claims he was in the UK when the Italian authorities allege he committed the murder.

His wife Georgina believes he will now be able to prove his whereabouts and police will have to set him free.

The 26-year-old, of Langford Street, Leek, told The Sentinel: "Edmond is due to appear in court again in Westminster on Wednesday, when we hope to present new evidence to prove his innocence.

"The Italian authorities have so far presented no evidence to show that he committed this crime.

"But we have actually got proof now that he was still in the UK – as he has always claimed – when this murder took place.

"We have been digging around and have now found that there was a delivery of food to the pub that day and Edmond signed for it.

"It clearly shows the date of the delivery as Tuesday, October 26, 2004, and his signature is on it.

"We have also checked with the pub's accountant, who has found that Edmond worked split shifts every day that week and did a 35-hour week.

"We are now in the process of getting this evidence sent to our solicitors in London so they can present it to the court on Wednesday."

She added: "It is a huge relief to find proof of Edmond's innocence and there is now no reason for him to be kept in prison any longer.

"I think it is a disgusting outrage that this can happen to a totally innocent man."

Mrs Arapi has also received a letter from Staffordshire Moorlands MP Charlotte Atkins, who said she had raised the case with Justice Minister Jack Straw.

Residents living in Langford Street have spoken of their shock at Mr Arapi's arrest.

Nextdoor neighbour Alan Bridgwood, aged 61, said he could not believe the charges levelled against Mr Arapi.

He said: "He is a good father and a good husband who is very hard-working.

"I cannot believe this has happened and I certainly hope this is all cleared up as quickly as possible so he can be freed to return to his family."

Another neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "I haven't lived in the street very long, but I have seen Mr Arapi around and he seems really nice."

Mr Arapi's boss Paul Hughes said staff and regulars at the pub were still trying to come to terms with his arrest.

He said: "It is all a bit surreal and we just feel very sorry for his wife and children right now."