"That campaign is also fuelled by a section of the media, including several talk show hosts who are known to be working hard to demonise the Police", the PPP said.

"The PNC demonstrators on Friday April 12 were shouting slogans praising the murder of Superintendent Fraser and calling for others. This was done in the presence of top PNC leaders," the statement charged.

The PPP said that after the assassination of Kooseram, persons in the funeral procession of Shaka Blair were heard shouting "one down, more to come", among other anti-Police slogans.

The main partner in the governing PPP/Civic alliance claimed the intention seems to be to "cripple the Police Force and allow criminals to terrorise the population and frighten the investors."

"This is the time for all peace loving and democratically minded people to come out openly in support of the Police and on the side of the law," the PPP appealed.

The party also extended its deepest sympathy to the relatives of Detective Sergeant Kooseram and to the officers and ranks of the Police Force.