Honeymoon murder victim's body home

The family of murdered Mauritius honeymooner Michaela McAreavey accompanied her on a final journey home yesterday.

Her husband John was on the flight into Belfast that brought his wife of just 12 days back in her coffin. He wore her engagement and wedding rings on a chain around his neck.

Mrs McAreavey, 27, was strangled to death in their hotel room on Monday. Police suspect she interrupted thieves in her room taking money from a purse.

Three men have been charged in connection with the death and today officers said the alleged killers were hiding in her room when she went in.

The victim was the daughter of Tyrone Gaelic football manager Mickey Harte and his wife Marian.

At lunchtime, the plane carrying her remains touched down at George Best Belfast City Airport. John McAreavey was accompanied on the flight by his father Brendan, his brother Brian and Mrs McAreavey's brother Mark.

There to meet them at the airport was Bishop of Dromore John McAreavey, an uncle of the groom, who married the couple on 30 December.

The coffin was covered with a purple drape as the hearse drove from the airport. The family followed in cars behind.

The procession made its way slowly out of Belfast to Mrs McAreavey's family home near Ballygawley, Co Tyrone, where her parents awaited. A private wake and family service is planned for tonight.

The funeral will be held on Monday at St Malachy's Church, Ballymacilroy - where the Mc-Areaveys were married.

Police in Mauritius said that after the murder, two hotel staff allegedly went back to work as if nothing had happened.The horror was outlined in a confession by one of the suspected killers, which police have revealed.