Top Cop: We are following leads

Police Commissioner Trevor Paul yesterday announced that the police are following certain leads which could assist in bringing successful closure to the probe into the bomb blast on Frederick Street, Port-of-Spain, on July 11. The explosion left 14 persons injured. Paul revealed that forensic tests have shown that a low core device, probably homemade, was used to make the bomb. He said he could not disclose what the leads were, but assured that the intelligence agencies were working assiduously to bring the perpetrators of the act to justice.

However, the commissioner could not explain why the Eye in the Sky Unit failed to record the Frederick Street blast. He was quick to point out that the Eye in the Sky was not designed to stay in one place, but was instead shifted around. He reiterated that he was not aware why the unit was not located at a strategic point to record the blast on the day of the incident. On July 11, the Eye in the Sky was parked adjacent to the mobile police booth on the Brian Lara Promenade overseeing the Salvatori Building.

Newsday learnt that the unit is sent up every day, but is not manned by an officer due to a manpower shortage. The unit is one of three purchased by Government at a cost of $3 million. Paul said that the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) which was called in to assist in the blast probe is expected to submit its report on the incident shortly. So far, 43 witnesses have been interviewed by the police, including UNC secretary Senator Robin Montano. The commissioner said that of the 14 persons who were injured only three are still hospitalised.