Rediff

Jamaica, Apr 21: The Bob Woolmer murder mystery has become more intriguing with claims that traces of poison was found in his body during toxicology tests and a suspect has been identified from the CCTV footage gathered from his hotel.

At least a couple of British dailies said that toxicology tests have found poison in the Pakistan cricket coach's body.

While one paper claimed "Woolmer was poisoned by Harry Potter drug aconite," another said "a suspicious concentration of toxins" was there in his body.

"The toxicology tests show that he had significant traces of aconite.

"We are now entirely convinced he was poisoned. The fact that aconite has also previously been used in Pakistan may also be highly relevant," The Sun quoted a senior police source as saying.

"This murder proves that truth can sometimes be stranger than fiction. It is now an international inquiry and could ultimately involve high-level diplomatic discussions," said another source.

Aconite -- an ancient poison, also known as wolfsbane -- is said to be perfect for concealing murder and has been used in several high-profile assassinations in Pakistan.

Wolfsbane is mentioned in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, when the schoolboy wizard is quizzed on it by Professor Snape.

On the other hand, as per the Telegraph, police sources denied reports that it was the drug aconite -- known as Wolfsbane, the so-called "Harry Potter" drug.

Meanwhile, digital enhancement 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.

"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," a source close to the investigation told The Independent.

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

The coroner's inquest into Woolmer's death, which was to begin today, was delayed by Jamaica's Ministry of Justice after some "recent and significant" developments.

"Due to recent and significant event concerning the death of Mr. Woolmer, the coroner has been advised that the inquest be postponed," the ministry said in a statement.

"These new developments are critical to the progress and results of the case," it said.

Officials would probe the recent developments before deciding whether to hold the inquest, it added.