The grieving sister of murder victim Julie Smailes has branded as cowards the witnesses whose silence allegedly caused the collapse of a murder trial.

Wendy Smailes spoke out after the inquiry was brought to a dramatic halt when the case against the man accused of killing her was dropped.

Detectives conceded the inquiry had been brought to standstill because of a refusal of witnesses to give evidence.

Miss Smailes said last night: "I am sick of the cowards hiding away, who won't say anything.

"These people should be ashamed of themselves. If they had any decency they would tell what they know in court.

"These past five years have been living hell. Now we are back where we started."

Det Supt Tom Ryan said: "There is no doubting there are people in Derwentside who have evidence that would bring those responsible before a court and we would appeal to them to come forward."