JERSEY’S police chief has offered reassurances that “significant progress” is being made on the investigation into a suspected hit-and-run which killed a father-and son earlier this year.
Robin Smith made the comments while providing updates about several ongoing investigations into tragic incidents that have shocked the Island in the last 12 months.
This included the Haut du Mont explosion last December, which claimed the lives of ten Islanders, as well as the sinking of the L’Ecume II trawler, skippered by Michael Michieli, following a collision with Condor’s Commodore Goodwill freight ship off Jersey’s west coast that same month.
Commenting on Operation Doric – the police inquiry into the suspected hit-and-run in August which killed Islander Dean Lowe (48) and his 11-year-old son Charlie – Mr Smith said: “[An] arrest was made within 12 hours of the collision and that person currently remains on police bail, but again it is another very complex investigation.
“I understand absolutely rightly why Islanders will speculate – I don’t speculate. I just insist that we get the evidence together and that evidence is being gathered. That evidence will be submitted to the Law Officers Department at the appropriate time for them to make an assessment, but I can reassure everyone – in particular the families – that significant progress is being made.”
Mr Smith said it had been a “challenging” year for the force, noting that the investigations related to 15 deaths in total within the last 12 months.
He continued: “The States of Jersey police is running hot, but we have had help and a lot of support. We’ve had mutual aid – and still have some officers and staff – from the UK.
“We are also supported by lots of other government agencies and the emergency services.”
