The police officers here from the UK to fight crime will not be living in five-star luxury – but instead will stay in low-cost accommodation, the governor has revealed.

Around 20 detectives from Merseyside and the North West of England have been drafted in to help investigate the spate of murders that has seen five people shot dead in a little over nine days.

Earlier this week, the most senior officer who came to Cayman, Merseyside Police Chief Constable Jon Murphy, was pictured in British newspapers snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing.

Yesterday Governor Duncan Taylor said he was “disappointed” with the story that appeared in the Daily Mail and said it was a deliberate attempt to embarrass Mr Murphy.

Governor Taylor added: “There was no attempt to write a balanced piece on what they came here for or did. We are not aware that the Daily Mail spoke to any of the people Jon Murphy met during his visit.

“I am delighted that Mr Murphy and his colleagues were able to come out here at short notice. They were able to agree the terms of reference for the secondment here of 20 officers from Merseyside and the North West of England.

“In addition, given their expertise and experience, and in particular Mr Murphy’s experience in dealing with gangs, they had a number of useful meetings with myself, elected representatives, members of the National Security Council, the Deputy Governor, members of the Portfolio of Internal and External Affairs, the Ministry of Education and the Attorney General and his Chambers.

“The feedback I have had from all of those who met with Mr Murphy has been extremely positive.

“I know that Mr Murphy and his colleagues worked hard for most of the time they were out here and do not begrudge them a bit of down time.

“I firmly believe that this was a helpful and worthwhile visit, and one that has paved the way for the secondment here of the 20 detectives.”

Most of the detectives have now arrived on the islands and will stay for around six weeks.

Mr Taylor added: “The expertise and experience they bring will be invaluable to the RCIPS. With their support, RCIPS will be able to build on the excellent work they have already put in, in response to the recent murders.

“This is a challenging time for us all and we are very fortunate to be able to draw on the assistance of professional and dedicated officers from England at such short notice.

“Costs are deliberately being kept to a minimum. All 20 officers are staying in low-cost accommodation and all, including Mr Murphy and his colleagues, travelled economy class.”