UK terror cops probe ‘sudden’ death of award-winning journalist behind Ukraine war podcast while on holiday in Gibraltar

BRITISH counter-terror cops are investigating the ‘sudden’ death of an award-winning Telegraph journalist.

David Knowles, the host of the Ukraine: The Latest podcast, died on Sunday while on holiday in Gibraltar from a suspected cardiac arrest at age 32.

Twitter/@ djknowles22

UK police officers are now helping Gibraltar police in the probe of his death.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out today.

Knowles launched the Ukraine: The Latest podcast after the Russian invasion in February 2022.

Last August he was banned from Russia alongside two other Telegraph journalists due to the success of the podcast.

An RGP spokesman said: “The Royal Gibraltar Police is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of 32-year British national David Knowles on Sunday September 8, whilst holidaying in Gibraltar.

“His Majesty’s Coroner in Gibraltar has been informed and a Coroner’s investigation is underway.

“ Next of kin for the deceased have been informed and a specialist RGP family liaison officer has been appointed. Arrangements have been made for a post-mortem examination to be conducted today.

“A policing ‘mutual aid’ request for specialist support was submitted to UK policing, although there are no specific concerns at this time with regard to the death.

“Following the RGP’s mutual aid request, detectives from UK Counter Terrorism Policing have been appointed to provide support to the RGP investigation , due to their existing capability and their experience of dealing with international enquiries.

“The RGP will not be making further comment at this time regarding any aspect of the investigation .”

A spokesperson for the family said: “We note the statement from the RPG today about David, particularly the assertion that  ‘there are no specific concerns at this time with regard to the death’.

“We do not wish to say anything further while the authorities continue their investigations and ask that the family’s privacy be respected.”

Knowles’s dad Peter, described his son as someone who “loved life and he lived it just as well as he could”.

He told The Telegraph : “David’s commitment to journalism was intense.

“He was never more proud than when he finally shrugged off a management job title and regained a title with the word ‘journalist’ in it, and he was utterly engaged with the story of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the impact on its people, making four trips to the country and always planning the next .”

The Telegraph editor Chris Evans, said: “David was a talented and popular journalist who was perhaps best known for helping to make our Ukraine podcast such a success.

“Before that, he was an impressive leader of our social media team. We would like to offer our sympathy to his family and friends.”

The Ukrainian embassy in London added: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of the Telegraph journalist of Ukraine: The Latest podcast, David Knowles.

“His dedication to reporting the truth about the war in Ukraine and his commitment to telling the stories of those affected by it will never be forgotten.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. Ukraine mourns this profound loss alongside you.”