IS PROBE ON EGYPT DEATHS COVER UP?

‘Concerns’ over hotel couple mystery

SPECULATION was growing last night about a “cover-up” following the mystery deaths of a British couple at a hotel in Egypt.

Guards had been posted to maintain a 24-hour watch on the room occupied by tragic John and Susan Cooper at the five-star Steigenberger Aqua Magic, with only a judge and his investigating team allowed to enter.

A specialist engineering team who examined the room said the couple were not gassed and that there were no defects in the air conditioning system.

But the couple’s daughter Kelly has insisted they had both been healthy.

And lawyer Nick Harris, an expert in dealing with travel claims, cast doubt on the speed with which authorities appeared to decide the Coopers died from natural causes only hours apart. Mr Harris, who said he had been dealing with group actions in Egypt for “many, many years”, said: “It smacks of a cover-up. I think it could be either carbon monoxide poisoning, food poisoning or water poisoning.

“I’m speculating, but it seems officials are doing all they can to put the blame elsewhere.”

SUSPICIOUS

John, 69, died last Tuesday and hours afterwards Susan, 63, collapsed and was pronounced dead in hospital.

Authorities, the hotel and tour operator Thomas Cook remain locked in a war of words over the deaths of the couple from Burnley, Lancs.

Daughter Kelly, due back in Britain today from the resort of Hurghada with her three children, is now waiting for the results of an independent second autopsy.

Other guests at the hotel have reported bouts of sickness and one man claimed his wife contracted typhoid there earlier this year. Thomas Cook have since moved all their 300 clients out to other accommodation.

Kelly, 40, said in the wake of her parents’ deaths: “I believe something suspicious has gone on. Something has happened in that room.”

And Mr Harris said: “My view is that we need some transparent answers.

“The father was seemingly strong as an ox and then within hours has died. What is concerning is the speed with which carbon monoxide poisoning was ruled out. I’m sceptical we will get answers. It was even suggested the wife died of a broken heart.”

The General Prosecutor’s Office in Cairo is heading the investigation but no criminal inquiry is taking place.

Meanwhile other holidaymakers continued to party at the hotel, taking drinks from waiters and eating from the huge buffet.

French tourist Christophe Wadoux, 63, said: “It’s sad for the family but everyone seems relaxed that nothing suspicious has taken place.”

Thomas Cook, which has taken the Aqua Magic off its website, has said it “does not rule anything in or out”.

And a hotel source said: “There is absolutely no danger in staying here.”