© Sunday Mirror

The frenzy of media speculation surrounding the death of Bob Woolmer a fortnight ago shows no sign of abating with two new reports in the Sunday newspapers.

UK tabloid The Sunday Mirror puts forward the theory that Woolmer was drugged with aconite, a herbal poison that dates back to medieval times, which causes death by asphyxiation. The report suggests that the poision, which could take the form of a white powder, could have been mixed in with Woolmer’s other medication.

The newspaper claims that this would account for the fact Woolmer died without a struggle and why no marks were found on his neck.

Professor John Henry of St Mary’s Hospital in London told the paper that the drug would not show up on a post mortem unless the examiner knew what to look for.

The Mail on Sunday carries a claim that Woolmer had drunk a bottle of whisky on retiring to his room after the Ireland defeat.