Police are continuing to investigate a letter containing a bullet sent to Premier Ewart Brown in the run-up to the general election, it was announced yesterday.

Security was stepped up around Dr. Brown after postal workers intercepted the mailing on December 10 — eight days before the election. After an initial press conference on December 11, Police have consistently refused to comment on the investigation, despite concerns from the Opposition that it left a taint of suspicion on both political parties.

This newspaper has asked on several occasions – the most recent a week ago – for the Police to comment on whether any political organisation was, or is suspected to be, involved in the incident.

We also asked if the investigation is making progress, and if heightened security continues to surround Dr. Brown as a result.

In a brief response yesterday, a spokesman said: "The investigation regarding the threat to the Premier is ongoing. The Bermuda Police Service is currently awaiting forensic examination results."

No further details were forthcoming.

Acting Opposition Leader Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin said in late December that speculation about the timing and the culprit would only be halted by information from the Police.

"In the absence of a full investigation, there will still be those who believe that somehow, one of the United Bermuda Party members or supporters has totally taken leave of all senses, or others who believe that the PLP were up to more election tricks.

"The sooner the information is disclosed and the 'culprits' brought to justice, the sooner we can put this unfortunate matter to bed," she said at the time.