UK counter terror police probe 'sudden' death of British journalist: Host of Ukraine war podcast David Knowles died from suspected cardiac arrest on holiday in Gibraltar

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British counter-terror officers are now helping Gibraltar police investigate the ‘sudden’ death of award-winning Telegraph journalist David Knowles aged 32.

Mr Knowles, who previously worked for MailOnline as a social video journalist, passed away last Sunday while on holiday in the British overseas territory.

The reporter, who hosted the Telegraph’s podcast ‘Ukraine: The Latest’, died from a suspected cardiac arrest and a post-mortem examination is scheduled for today.

Mr Knowles began at the Telegraph in 2020, progressing from deputy head of social media to head of social media and then head of audio development in June last year.

In August 2023, Russia placed him and two other Telegraph journalists on its list of people banned from entering because of their work on the award-winning podcast.

Award-winning Telegraph journalist David Knowles died in Gibraltar last Sunday aged 32

Award-winning Telegraph journalist David Knowles died in Gibraltar last Sunday aged 32

David Knowles hosted the Telegraph's award-winning weekday podcast 'Ukraine: The Latest'

David Knowles hosted the Telegraph’s award-winning weekday podcast ‘Ukraine: The Latest’

Royal Gibraltar Police detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death

Royal Gibraltar Police detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death

Today, the Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP) confirmed its detectives were probing the circumstances surrounding his death, with a coroner’s investigation also underway.

David Knowles,  podcast supremo banned from Russia

Born in London in 1991, David Knowles grew up in Ealing then studied Biblical Studies at Durham University and Interactive Journalism at City University, graduating in 2016. 

He joined MailOnline later that year as a social video journalist, before moving on in 2017 to produce social media content for the World Economic Forum.

Mr Knowles joined the Telegraph in 2020 as deputy head of social media, but became best known for Ukraine: The Latest.

The weekday podcast was launched on the day of the Russian invasion in February 2022 – and is still running more than two years later.

It saw him travel across Ukraine with his audio equipment to speak to Ukrainian people about the conflict – and won Best News Podcast at the Publisher Podcast Awards in June.

Mr Knowles also toured the show in America last year and was invited to speak at the US Embassy in London.

In August last year, Mr Knowles and fellow Telegraph journalists Colin Freeman and Francis Dearnley were banned by Russia from entering the country because of their podcast. 

He died last Sunday aged 32 in Gibraltar while on holiday after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest.

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An RGP spokesman said in a statement: ‘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 force added that it would ‘not be making further comment at this time regarding any aspect of the investigation’.

Formed in 1830, the RGP is the oldest Commonwealth police force outside the UK and has about 250 officers. A separate policing body, the Gibraltar Defence Police, guards and enforces law on Ministry of Defence installations.

A UK Counter-Terrorism Policing spokesman said: ‘A request to UK Policing was received from the Royal Gibraltar Police to assist with an investigation into a sudden death of a British national in Gibraltar on September 8.

‘Primacy for the investigation remains with RGP and any further enquiries in relation to this should be directed to them.’

And a spokesman for Mr Knowles’s family told the Telegraph: ‘We note the statement from the Royal Gibraltar Police today about David, particularly the assertion that ‘there are no specific concerns at this time with regard to the death’.

Marina Bay in Gibraltar, the British overseas territory where Mr Knowles died (file picture)

Marina Bay in Gibraltar, the British overseas territory where Mr Knowles died (file picture)

The Royal Gibraltar Police is the oldest Commonwealth police force outside the UK

The Royal Gibraltar Police is the oldest Commonwealth police force outside the UK

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

Mr Knowles was best remembered for Ukraine: The Latest, a weekday podcast which was launched on the day of the Russian invasion in February 2022.

His father Peter 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.

‘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.’

An block of flats on fire after being hit by a Russian air strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on August 30

An block of flats on fire after being hit by a Russian air strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on August 30

Telegraph editor Chris Evans added: ‘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.’

And the Ukrainian embassy in London said: ‘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.’




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