Alderney murder investigation stretching Guernsey Police resources

Thursday, 1 October 2026 07:20

By Euan Mahy

Guernsey's Police Chief says support has been drafted in from the forces in the south west of England, Jersey and the local Customs and Immigration Service.

In a post on social media, Damian Kitchen says the ongoing murder investigation is affecting officer resources:

“A number of lines of enquiry are being followed in relation to the tragic incident in Alderney this week, and officers would continue to encourage the public to contact them with any relevant information.

"The process of identifying what happened is complex and requires meticulous work from our teams, the support of the community, other agencies, and colleagues from external forces."

He is referring to reinforcements drafted in from the UK, most likely Devon and Cornwall Police, and officers from Jersey and Border Force colleagues from Guernsey Customs.

Mr Kitchen says local officers are involved with other demanding investigations, which would put pressure on a force larger than Guernsey's.

"Our officers and staff are committed to being there when needed and will always respond immediately where there is a threat to life, a risk of harm, or a crime in progress, and I wish to reassure all our communities that we have highly committed officers and staff who are determined to maintain services as close to normal as possible."

"I would ask members of the public and partners to be patient as we manage the competing demands and operational requirements."

Regarding the death of 34 year old Hannah Benfield on Monday, officers continue to question the single suspect, a 44 year old man.

"I want to thank the Alderney community for their help, welcome and support to our teams deployed across the island, during what I am sure is an incredibly unsettling time for them. We are grateful for the public's continued support, patience and understanding."

The tragedy is being reported by national media as the worst incident on the small island of around 2,000 people since the brutalities of the Occupation during WW2.