Bob Woolmer(C)
© AFP Adrian Dennis

London, Apr 21 (ANI): After over a month-long investigation, those holding inquest into the "murder" of former Pakistan cricket coach Bob Woolmer have at last been able to find his murderer.

The suspect has reportedly been identified from CCTV (close circuit TV) footage in his hotel, amid growing evidence that the former England player was drugged with an ancient poison.

The Jamaica Police, however, declined to comment on the identity of the suspect, or say whether he was a member of the Pakistan team or management. But, he is understood to be a male.

Only yesterday, investigators in Jamaica had announced that there were "significant developments" in the hunt for Mr Woolmer's killer or killers. The opening of an inquest into the coach's death was also postponed from April 23 after a series of breakthroughs by the team of 30 officers working on the inquiry, including detectives from Scotland Yard.

Digital enhancement by the Yard of CCTV footage from cameras on the 12th floor of the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, where Woolmer was staying, has identified at least one suspect in the killing, reported The Independent. "The cleaned-up images from London show at least one individual of considerable interest to the inquiry. The time of the footage and its location mean that this individual must be considered a suspect. Further work is being done on statements given by individuals to look at any inconsistencies. It is good progress," the paper quoted a source close to the investigation as saying.

A spokesman for Jamaica Police said: "The coroner has been advised that there are recent and significant developments concerning the death of Robert Woolmer. The coroner wishes that these new and significant developments be pursued with the utmost urgency, taking into account that the officer in charge has advised that these new developments are critical to the progress and the eventual results of the investigations themselves."

The lead from the CCTV cameras - which were at either end of the secure floor of the Pegasus Hotel containing Woolmer's room, number 374 - coincided with renewed suggestions that the coach was given aconite, a powerful poison derived from the plant wolfsbane. The father-of-two, whose embalmed body remains in Kingston awaiting release, was found early on 18 March, lying naked in the bathroom of his hotel room with traces of vomit on the floor. A post-mortem examination found he had a broken bone in his neck, suggesting he was strangled. Toxicology tests last week found traces of a poison in Woolmer's stomach, urine and blood, showing he was incapacitated before being asphyxiated. (ANI)