Several people have been questioned in connection with the spate of murders this past weekend, according to the Police Service hierarchy.
But officers on the field insisted up until late yesterday, no one has been arrested in connection with any of five murders which occurred in separate incidents in St Joseph, Tunapuna, Morvant and Caura this past weekend.
In the wake of the latest homicides, acting police commissioner, Stephen Williams, yesterday announced a heightened police presence nation-wide.
Williams, who goes on vacation today for three months, in a statement said that members of the Defence Force will be assisting in joint support following the recent homicides that occurred over the past 48-hours.
Public Relations Officer at the T&T Coast Guard, Lt Commander Kirk Jean-Baptiste said yesterday: “Our focus is to aid the civil power (Police Service). The Defence Force remains committed to providing aid to the Police Service who has the lead.”
Sources said that in response to the spate of homicides during this past weekend Williams met with National Security Minister Edmund Dillon.
In a response to the situation, Williams gave the assurance that the Police Service with the on-going support of the TTDF, will continue to be highly active and visible in all communities throughout T&T.
“He noted that the recent homicides were actively being investigated by the Homicide Bureau of Investigations with the intention of ensuring that these crimes were solved and the perpetrators effectively brought to justice.
In this regard, several persons have been detained and were being questioned by homicide investigators.”
Members of the public are urged to assist with the investigation by providing the police with information that could lead to persons being charged in relation to these recent homicides by calling anonymously 800-TIPS, the release said.
However, Homicide officers said that there were no suspects in custody in connection with the murders of the five men but several people were questioned.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Harold Phillips will take up the mantle as acting commissioner in Williams’ absence.