ICC statement in full on murder of Bob Woolmer

KINGSTON, Jamaica (Reuters) - Following is the statement released by the International Cricket Council chief executive Malcolm Speed after the Jamaican police announcement on Thursday that Bob Woolmer's death was being treated as murder.

"When we first learned of Bob's death a wave of sadness washed over the whole of the cricket community.

"That sadness has now been replaced with a profound sense of shock at the news that his death is being treated as murder and everyone connected with this event will assist the police in any way possible to ensure the truth emerges.

"However, as the matter is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, we will not comment on it, nor will we comment on the rumor and speculation it has given rise to over the past few days.

"This is not the first time that tragedy has visited a sporting event but what we must all do now is to show how resolute the game is by proving ourselves strong enough to move on from what has happened.

"The best way to do that is for the teams that remain in the tournament to play out a great ICC Cricket World Cup, something that will help put the smile back on the face of our great sport.

"By doing that we will demonstrate that cricket cannot be put off by a cowardly criminal act.

"And if the players and officials of all the competing teams can do that then it would be a fitting tribute to Bob Woolmer and the contribution he has made to our sport as a fine player and an outstanding coach at all levels."

Chief executive and managing director of World Cup, Chris Dehring, said: "We have reviewed security arrangements in conjunction with ICC and local agencies and consulted with all the teams and they have told us they are comfortable with those arrangements.

"On that basis, it is up to the Jamaica Constabulary Force to get on with its job while our focus now is on some great cricket to come."