The chief suspect in the alleged kidnap of a British model in Milan has said he did not knowingly take part in any crime.

Lukasz Pawel Herba says his involvement stems from wanting to raise money to treat his leukaemia and that he was hired by a group of Romanians to rent properties around Europe to store garments they were selling, according to reports.

He is also said to have told investigators he posed as a photographer and met Chloe Ayling. He said he was paid £500,000, found out the Romanians intended to kidnap her, and backed out of the plan.

His side of the story has emerged as Ms Ayling's representatives dismissed doubts about the ordeal, saying it was real and terrifying.