Extra security in Jamaica after high-profile murders of Britons

Erroll Bennett, centre, with his son Erroll Jr and daughter Zoe

The Jamaica Constabulary Force said it would appoint a liaison officer to deal with people returning to the island after a number of shocking crimes.

Preston man Erroll Bennett was murdered while staying on his holiday home on the island.

Mr Bennett, 59, an upholsterer from Ribbleton and a leading light in the city’s West Indian community, died after a frenzied attack in his holiday villa in December 2011.

His daughter Zoe, who pursued a three-year battle for justice that finally ended in a murder conviction, believes he was targeted by thieves attempting to get his house.

Manchester couple Gayle and Charlie Anderson, aged 71 and 74, had recently retired to Jamaica from Manchester when they were fatally stabbed and their bodies burned in a firebomb attack at their home in Mount Pleasant last week.

The double murder in the Portland parish last Saturday followed the killing in April of 63-year-old Birmingham charity worker Delroy Walker and two Canadian pensioners in January.

Now police have announced they will be offering extra security advice to people returning to the island to live or stay.

Selvin Hay, Jamaica’s deputy commissioner of police and head of crime, said today: “Our focus on the safety and protection of our returning residents is unequivocal. We take all reported incidents of crimes against them seriously and will further our work with our partners in government and non-government organisations to ensure communities are safe spaces for all who live, work or visit.”

The JCF said it would review all serious unsolved crimes against the approximately 30,000 returning residents on the island.

The force said: “The JCF is offering assurance to returning residents that their safety and security remains a high priority of the organisation, strategies and support systems are currently being bolstered for their protection.

“This comes against the background of the recent incidents against returning residents and the concerns expressed by members of the diaspora to the commissioner, whilst in recent meetings in the United Kingdom.”