Shelly-Ann Thompson, Gleaner Writer

The police yesterday confirmed that closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage garnered from the Jamaica Pegasus hotel where Pakistan coach, Bob Woolmer, was murdered, has returned from the United Kingdom.

However, the police have declined to comment on reports in the international media that the footage has helped investigators to identify a suspect in the murder of the cricket coach.

"Yes, we have received from Scotland Yard some of the footage, but I cannot comment on the matter," said one high-ranking officer.

The footage was sent overseas for digital enhancement.

On Thursday, the Justice Ministry announced that a coroner's inquest into Woolmer's death had been postponed. The inquest was scheduled to begin today.

The ministry said it was advised by the chief investigator, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mark Shields, that there were new and significant developments, and that the case could be compromised by an inquest at this time.

Claims also emerged of the security forces' being stretched because of the Cricket World Cup semi-final to be staged at Sabina Park tomorrow as a factor for the postponement.

DCP Shields could not be reached for a comment yesterday.

Unaware

When Karl Angell, director of communications of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, was contacted, he said he was unaware of reports relating to the identification of a suspect.

"When that is so, the media will be officially informed," said Angell.

At a press conference two Saturdays ago, DCP Shields announced that investigators were now in possession of some results from toxicology tests done on Woolmer's body.

DCP Shields also said other results from toxicology tests would be further analysed.

Woolmer, 58, was found uncon-scious in his hotel room on March 18, the morning after Pakistan lost to Ireland in the World Cup, crushing their hopes of advancing.

The police have confirmed that he died of asphyxiation as a result of manual strangulation.

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com