Police play down media speculation

The weekend brought another swathe of reports claiming new developments in the investigation into the death of Bob Woolmer, and in their aftermath the Jamaican police have again had to issue denials of much of what was written.

Karl Angell, the Jamaican police's (JCF) director of communications, said that the matter was still being handled as a murder investigation. "That will remain our position until such time as the results of the investigation are known; including the forensic and pathology analysis.

"The speculation made in Sunday's newspapers is part of a series of unhelpful reports that have appeared in the media throughout the duration of this investigation. The JCF is conducting an extensive and thoroughly professional investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Bob Woolmer. This has included a request to the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolitan Police Service in London to conduct a review of the investigation.

"The JCF would again urge the media to refrain from speculation because of the additional distress it places upon the Woolmer family and the fact that it can hinder the progress of the investigation."

In London, Scotland Yard, who the Jamaica Gleaner claimed had ruled out murder, declined to comment and said it would not discuss an analysis of toxicology tests conducted on behalf of Jamaican authorities. "This is an inquiry being conducted by the Jamaican authorities," said a spokesman. "It's down to them to comment on developments."