Detective Superintendent Alison Fossey, Senior Investigating Officer for Operation Spire (Pier Road Investigation) has said: “Since 10 December 2022, a secondary scene between Commercial Buildings and Le Quai aux Marchands has been held as part of the ongoing police investigation into the Pier Road incident. As a result of our teams continuing to make good progress with the investigation, police presence at this secondary scene is no longer required.

“Specialist teams who have been deployed from the UK to support with the ongoing recovery and investigation continue to make good progress at the main scene. As such, the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams who have been part of the recovery since last month, will depart this week. I’d like to thank the USAR teams for their hard work and Fire and Rescue National Resilience for coordinating their deployment to Jersey. USAR have been a vital part of the response in working with our local emergency services to facilitate the ongoing response, and their specialist skills and professionalism has been second to none.

“States of Jersey Police currently have more than 30 officers and staff continuing to work on the investigation. To date, our teams are following 601 lines of enquiry, have taken 230 statements and have recovered 490 exhibits. The main scene at Haut du Mont on Pier Road is still under investigation and will be for some time.

“We are continuing to ensure that our efforts remain focused on doing the best for the grieving relatives and the displaced residents. Our Family Liaison Officers are supporting the bereaved families and community police are meeting regularly with the displaced residents. Funerals continue to take place this week, and our thoughts remain with families and friends at this difficult time.”