DNA Tests Start In New McAreavey Investigation

The second investigation into the death of a murdered County Tyrone newlywed swung into action today with the DNA testing of hotel workers.

Current and former staff members at the Legends Hotel where Michaela McAreavey was found strangled last January will be required to submit DNA samples.

Employees still working at the hotel will be tested first.

The new probe was launched following severe criticism of the authorities after two men accused of murdering the schoolteacher were acquitted following an eight-week trial.

Unidentified DNA was previously found on a number of items in the honeymoon suite where the 27-year-old teacher was killed.

In the Mauritian police's bid to gather new evidence, detectives have already questioned several people over the past few days.

The crime scene was contaminated by police from the original investigation, who entered without protective gear, but detectives will now be hoping to find some evidence that can shed new light on the case.

Unidentified DNA was found on a number of items in the hotel room Mrs McAreavey shared with her new husband John.

And although a footprint was left on the bed in the room, no tests were carried out on it at the time so police will now attempt to determine who it belonged to.

It is understood that neither PSNI nor an Garda Siochana have received a formal request for assistance in the new probe to date.

The prime minister of Mauritius commented last week that he would welcome their assistance.

(NE)