Investigation ongoing as Mikus Alps case approaches year anniversary

Guernsey Police say they are still awaiting a final forensic report from the UK home office, as the case of Mikus Alps approaches its first year mark.

The body of the 33 year old from Latvia was found on the 8th January inside his car at Petit Bot.

In a statement released today, Guernsey's Head of Law Enforcement said that it was important to remind the community of what they know so far in the "complex" investigation.

TIMELINE:

• On the morning of Monday 8th January, police officers and members of the Fire Service attended a burnt-out car in a secluded area near Petit Bot.

• Despite initial enquiries, the significant fire damage to the vehicle meant that a more detailed forensic examination was required.

• On Wednesday 10 January, this examination was carried out by specialist Scenes of Crime Officers and found what they suspected were small parts of skeletal remains.

• The remains found in the vehicle were subsequently confirmed as human and DNA evidence established the remains to be that of Mikus Alps.

• The remains of a shotgun were also found in the car alongside the remains of Mr Alps.

• A "sombre and reflective" letter had been handed to police and was confirmed by a handwriting expert to have been written by Mr Alps.

• It is known that Mr Alps was a supporter of a pro-Ukrainian movement and had visited the country but there is no evidence linking Mr Alps’ activity in Ukraine with the incident in Guernsey.

• The nature of the remains found in the burnt-out car required "highly specialised experts" to carry out further detailed examinations to try to determine the cause of death.

• Police in Guernsey are now awaiting the final forensic report and expect to receive it by the end of March 2019.

Rob Moore has had a look back of the case over the last year and how the mystery surrounding Mikus Alps' death continues.