More forensic work needed to determine cause of death in Mikus Alps case

The 33-year-old's severely burnt out car was found at Petit Bot on 8 January and it was later confirmed remains inside were those of Mr Alps.

The remains were sent to the UK in an attempt to determine the cause of death.

'A forensic examination was carried out in the UK on 13 February, to try and help determine cause of death,' said police chief Patrick Rice.

'Unfortunately this examination was inconclusive. Further work is needed, with additional expert help being sourced in the UK. Due to the nature of the remains, there are very few experts in the UK who can carry out the required examination and as such the earliest opportunity for this work to be done is the end of March. We hope to be in a position to provide additional answers following receipt of the results.'

A letter handed to police around the time of Mr Alps' disappearance was recently confirmed to have been written by Mr Alps.

Mr Alps' was involved with the Ukrainian volunteer army.

'I would also take this opportunity to again repeat some of the salient facts in relation to this case,' said Mr Rice.

'The investigation has so far established that the remains found in the vehicle in January were that of Mikus Alps. A handwriting expert confirmed that a letter handed into police, which was sombre and reflective in content, was written by Mr Alps. Mr Alps was a supporter of a pro-Ukrainian movement and had visited the country. We are aware that Mr Alps’ Facebook account has been active since his remains were found; it is not uncommon for people to share their social media log-in details with others.

'There is no evidence linking Mr Alps’ activity in Ukraine with his remains being found in a burnt-out car in Guernsey. Investigating officers continue to have an open mind pending further forensic results.'