Murder Hunt Launched As Police Say Cricket Coach Woolmer Was Strangled

Mar 23, 10:01 AM

Current Headlines: By SHAN ROSS

BOB Woolmer, the Pakistan cricket coach, was strangled, police in Jamaica revealed last night as a murder inquiry was launched.

Speculation has surrounded the death of the former England cricketer, who was found lying unconscious in his bathroom at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston on Sunday morning, the day after his side suffered a shock defeat by Ireland in the Cricket World Cup. He was pronounced dead in hospital later that day.

Last night, police in Kingston announced that a post-mortem examination showed his death was caused by asphyxia, as a result of manual strangulation.

Mark Shields, a police spokesman described Mr Woolmer's death as "particularly horrific kind of murder".

Further details of the pathologist's findings were not given, however, Mr Shields said there were "other issues around his body" although strangulation was the main cause of death.

He added there were signs of vomiting and diarrhoea, but said detectives were still awaiting toxicology reports.

Mr Shields said, the coach had been found by a maid at around 10:45 am on the Sunday. He had last been seen going into a lift at around 8:30pm the previous evening.

He added that although Mr Woolmer could have been attacked at any time between those times, it was believed it was closer to the time he was found. There was no evidence of forced entry to the room.

Mr Shields would not confirm whether police had any suspects at this stage, but said: "We have got a lot of lines of inquiry and we will see how it develops."

Earlier yesterday, the Pakistani cricket team were questioned by police.

Last night, Mr Shields said: "It's a question of not ruling anything out. From the very beginning of this investigation we treated it with a lot of professional respect.

"We started the process of interviewing people and gathering info and evidence from day one and that means that today when we get the report from the pathologist we are ahead of the game. So we have been interviewing a lot of people, the Pakistani team has been particularly helpful and co-operative, as has ICC as well."

He said an international phoneline had been set up for anyone with information to call.

He added: "We have South African police who are acting as liaison to us as well to give Gill (Mr Woolmer's wife) assurance that we are doing everything we can."

Asked to describe Mrs Woolmer's state he said: "She's grieving. She just lost her husband in mysterious and evil circumstances. "

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