Interpol expert assisting with Woolmer probe

KINGSTON, JAMAICA: A British forensic expert who specialises in DNA analysis is assisting Jamaican police with their investigation into the death of Pakistan cricket coach Bob Woolmer, a police spokesman said on Tuesday.

"I can confirm that Dr Susan Hitchen arrived here on Monday to assist the Jamaica police force with the Bob Woolmer case," said Jamaican police spokesman Karl Angell.

"She flew in from the headquarters of Interpol in Lyon, France and she will help us specifically with the analysis of DNA samples."

Apart from examining DNA samples collected so far, Hitchen will also review the pathologist's report.

Woolmer, 58, was found lifeless in his hotel room on March 18 the day after his team were eliminated from the World Cup following a shock defeat by Ireland.

He was pronounced dead in hospital later that day. Jamaican police are treating the death as murder.

Police said that 39 statements have been collected from persons they consider close to the case, including from every member of the Pakistan delegation and West Indies captain Brian Lara.

Angell said that the Jamaica government had requested Interpol's assistance in solving the murder of Woolmer, 58, a British citizen.

Interpol (International Criminal Police Organisation) is the world's largest international police organisation with a membership of 186 countries.