CHONGQING, China, April 20 (UPI) -- British businessman Neil Heywood was murdered in China in November and a coverup began immediately after his death, a senior Chinese journalist told the BBC.
The journalist said police panicked when they learned the death of Heywood in a Chongqing hotel could be linked to top politician Bo Xilai and his wife, Gu Kailai, the BBC reported.
Local officials said the 41-year-old British businessman died of excessive drinking but police knew he had been killed, said Han Pingzao, a former correspondent for the People's Daily in Chongqing.
"They were terrified of the politician," Han said. "Bo Xilai was shocked when he heard the details. He started sweating profusely."
Han said former Chongqing Police Chief Wang Lijun, who had been closely identified with Bo, sought refuge at the American consulate where he told U.S. officials about the killing and attempted to defect.
He was arrested by Chinese authorities after the consulate turned him out, Han said.
The journalist said the day that Bo was sacked Chongqing party officials held a series of meetings to learn how the government would handle the case.
A few weeks later, Bo's wife and a servant at his home were arrested.
Chinese authorities promised the British government a thorough investigation into Heywood's death.
