Jamaican government officials have given permission for Bob Woolmer's body to be released and taken back to his family in South Africa. Mark Shields, the deputy commissioner of police, and the Kingston coroner Patrick Murphy agreed to the move, according to a statement from the ministry of national security.

Woolmer's body has been in Jamaica since his murder on March 18 and while no time frame was set for its journey home, Reuters reported it could occur by the end of the week. "Mr Shields says he has spoken to Mr Woolmer's widow, Gill, and appraised her of the latest developments," the statement said. "Shields says he has also been in contact and is working with the funeral home holding Mr Woolmer's body with a view to repatriating it to South Africa as soon as possible."

There is still no confirmation as to whether an inquest into Woolmer's death will be held in Jamaica. The original hearing, which was due to start on Monday, was postponed last week due to a "significant development". Despite detailed CCTV coverage, extensive DNA testing and the return of toxicology reports the police have not named any suspects in the case.