Boris Berezovsky post-mortem result expected
Results of a post-mortem examination on the body of Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky, who was found dead at his home on Saturday, are expected this evening, police say.
A Home Office post-mortem was due to start at 1pm on Monday after the billionaire was found dead at his home in Ascot, Berkshire, by an employee, believed to be his bodyguard.
Thames Valley police are conducting a forensic examination of Berezovsky’s home, and have said that so far there is “no evidence of any third-party involvement”.
We have no evidence of any third-party involvement at this stage – Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Brown
Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Brown said: “Scenes of crime officers are carrying out further forensic examinations at the property and these are expected to last several days. A cordon will remain in place until this work has been completed, to protect the scene.
“While this important investigative work continues, we are unable to comment on any items found within the property. I would like to reiterate that we have no evidence of any third-party involvement at this stage and we will not speculate on the cause of death until the post-mortem examination has been carried out.”
Radiation
On Sunday specialist officers, trained in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear substances, examined Berezovsky’s house before declaring it safe.
The search was prompted when a radiation detector worn by the paramedic who pronounced the businessman dead was triggered on leaving the property. The paramedic’s detector, a personal electronic dosimeter (PED), is a health and safety device used routinely by emergency services.
Mr Berezovsky had not been seen since 10.30 on Friday night and, and the employee who found him had become concerned for his welfare, according to police. He found Berezovsky in a bathroom after breaking down a door.
Financial difficulties?
Officers said they are speaking to the Russian’s close friends and family to build up a picture of his state of mind in the last days of his life.
Questions have been raised over financial difficulties after Berezovsky paid out large sums in legal fees, in both a divorce battle and a High Court battle with Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich.
On Monday John Mann, a spokesman for Mr Abramovich, denied an unsourced report which said the Russian tycoon had been arrested.
Speaking from the US, which Mr Abrmaovich is currently visiting, Mr Mann said: “It’s not true. He is in the US but he has not been arrested or detained.”
