Local Police are liasing with homicide detectives in New Jersey in a murder investigation, The Royal Gazette has learned.

Police spokesman Coleman Easton said yesterday that they had received official confirmation of the death of 40 year old Bermudian Michael Edward Eugene Wilson from the Essex County, New Jersey police department.

"They are treating it as a suspicious death," he said.

Bermuda Police has already appointed a family liaison officer to provide support to Mr. Wilson's family in Bermuda, Mr. Easton said, adding: "We are also assisting with enquiries abroad."

News of the death, believed to have occurred on Tuesday, reached The Royal Gazette offices on Wednesday. Mr. Wilson who lived in New Jersey, has a number of relatives here - some of whom have already flown to New Jersey. ZBM news last night broadcast that Mr. Wilson lived on Prospect Street, East Orange, New Jersey.

It was also reported that Mr. Wilson died of gunshot wounds and the death was being investigated by Essex County Homicide officers.