Bob Woolmer - reuters

Francine Black, Staff Reporter

Bob Woolmer may have known his attacker or attackers information from a press conference at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston revealed on Thursday night.

In response to questions posed by members of the press at the conference, police indicated that there was no evidence so far of forced entry into Woolmer's room or little signs of struggle with his attacker or attackers. "There are no signs of forced entry. A chambermaid found his body at 10:45 am," Mark Shields, deputy commissioner in charge of crime told reporters.

No external signs

Police also indicated that there were no external signs of strangulation and that it took a lot of force for Woolmer's attackers to kill him. "It would have taken some significant force because Bob is a large person. It could have been one or more persons involved in the murder," DCP Shields said.

An intense investigation into the murder of Woolmer was launched yesterday after police revealed that the Pakistani coach died from asphyxia as a result of manual strangulation.

Police are now investigating several motives. DCP Shields said they were probing several "lines of inquiry".

Police also confirmed that his wife Gill Woolmer who is in South Africa received an e-mail from her husband before he died although not stating what time of day it was sent.

As part of investigations, several hotel electronic records and close circuit television footage was being reviewed by police seeking a clue as to Bob's attackers or attacker.

Several hotels workers, guests and members of the Pakistani team have so far been questioned by the police. The upgrading of the investigations will not however affect the departure of the Pakistani team who are scheduled to leave the island on Saturday.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Owen Ellington, chairman of the local security committee said security was being provided for the team until they leave."From they land (in Montego Bay on Thursday) until they leave, we are providing the appropriate security," he said.

As it relates to security for the rest of the tournament he said in a statement read at the press conference that appropriate levels of security around teams, officials, media and sponsors are being provided.

Security at the Pegasus, which is being looked into as part of the investigations has also been boosted since Woolmer's death with additional uniformed security presence.

Police have opened two telephone lines 24 hours a day to receive information that could assist with the investigations. Persons internationally and locally with information can call 1-876-927-5000, 811, and 311.