UK counter-terror police assist after death of British journalist in Gibraltar

Telegraph journalist David Knowles died on Sunday and a post-mortem examination is due to take place on Thursday, the Royal Gibraltar Police said.

A general view of The Rock of Gibraltar (Simon Galloway?PA) (PA Archive)

UK counter-terrorism police are assisting an investigation after the death of a 32-year-old British journalist in Gibraltar.

Telegraph journalist David Knowles died on Sunday and a post-mortem examination is due to take place on Thursday, the Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP) said.

A policing mutual aid request for specialist support was submitted to UK policing, but there are “no specific concerns at this time with regard to the death”, RGP said.

The best journalists are an essential part of our democracy

Labour MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick Andy Slaughter

Detectives from UK counter-terrorism policing have been appointed to provide support to the RGP investigation, due to their “existing capability and their experience of dealing with international inquiries”, the force added.

A spokesperson for the Royal Gibraltar Police said: “The Royal Gibraltar Police is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of 32-year-old British national David Knowles on Sunday 8th September, whilst holidaying in Gibraltar.

“His Majesty’s Coroner in Gibraltar has been informed and a coroner’s investigation is under way.

“Next of kin for the deceased have been informed and a specialist RGP family liaison officer has been appointed.

“Arrangements have been made for a post-mortem examination to be conducted today.

“A policing ‘mutual aid’ request for specialist support was submitted to UK policing, although there are no specific concerns at this time with regard to the death.

“Following the RGP’s mutual aid request, detectives from UK Counter-Terrorism Policing have been appointed to provide support to the RGP investigation, due to their existing capability and their experience of dealing with international inquiries.

“The RGP will not be making further comment at this time regarding any aspect of the investigation.”

A counter-terrorism policing spokesperson said: “A request to UK Policing was received from the Royal Gibraltar Police to assist with an investigation into a sudden death of a British national in Gibraltar on 8 September.

“Due to the existing capability and experience of dealing with international inquiries, support to the RGP is being provided by officers from Counter-Terrorism Policing.

“Primacy for the investigation remains with RGP and any further inquiries in relation to this should be directed to them.”

The Labour MP for Hammersmith and Chiswick, Andy Slaughter, paid tribute to Mr Knowles in the House of Commons on Thursday and called for a debate on the importance of investigative and public interest journalism.

He said: “Can I pay tribute to Telegraph journalist David Knowles, creator of the brilliant Ukraine: The Latest podcast who tragically died last weekend at the age of only 32?

“I’m sure (House of Commons Leader Lucy Powell) will join me in sending condolences to David’s family and friends.”

Mr Slaughter had earlier asked: “Can we have a debate on the importance of investigative journalism and public interest journalism?

“The best journalists are an essential part of our democracy.”

Responding, Ms Powell said: “I certainly would pay my condolences to David’s family.

“He’s absolutely right: investigative journalism is so important to our democracy, and we should do whatever we can as a country to support it, and I’m sure that the Culture Secretary (Lisa Nandy) would be happy if he raised these matters with her in forthcoming oral questions.”