British counter-terror police assist in investigating death of Telegraph journalist David Knowles

David Knowles
David Knowles, photographed in Ukraine. He was the creator of the Ukraine: The Latest podcast

Counter-terror police from Scotland Yard are supporting officers in Gibraltar investigating the death of Telegraph journalist David Knowles.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police travelled to Gibraltar following a request for assistance for their colleagues in the British Overseas Territory.

Mr Knowles, 32, who was one of the presenters of The Telegraph’s award-winning Ukraine: The Latest podcast, was on holiday in Gibraltar at the weekend when he died suddenly from a suspected cardiac arrest.

In a statement, the Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP) stressed that, despite the request for assistance from Scotland Yard, there were no specific concerns surrounding the death at this time.

The statement read: “The Royal Gibraltar Police is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of 32-year-old British national David Knowles on Sunday Sep 8 whilst holidaying in Gibraltar.

“His Majesty’s Coroner in Gibraltar has been informed, and a coroner’s investigation is underway. 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 enquiries.

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

MP pays tribute in Commons

A Counter-Terrorism Policing spokesman 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 Sep 8.

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

A spokesman for Mr Knowles’s family said: “We note the statement from the Royal Gibraltar Police today about David, particularly the assertion that ‘there are no specific concerns at this time with regard to the death’.

“We do not wish to say anything further while the authorities continue their investigations, and ask that the family’s privacy be respected.”

Andy Slaughter, a Labour MP, paid tribute to Mr Knowles as he spoke in Parliament on Thursday.

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After suggesting that a debate should take place about investigative 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 my right honourable friend will join me in sending condolences to David’s family and friends.”

Lucy Powell, the Leader of the Commons, replied: “I certainly would pay my condolences to David’s family. Investigative journalism is so important to our democracy, and we should do whatever we can as a country to support it.”