The PSNI has launched a new appeal for information about the murders of Edward Burns and Joseph Jones in Belfast on the first anniversary of their deaths.

The bodies of the men were found a few hours apart in Belfast last March 12.

Mr Burns, 36, from the Ardoyne area of north Belfast, was found shot in the head in a car park near a GAA club at Bog Meadows off the Falls Road.

Mr Jones, 38, from Poleglass, on the western outskirts of Belfast, was found battered to death in an alleyway off Elmfield Street in the Ardoyne.

Police recovered a spade near the scene which they believe was used in the murder.

"My team believes that there is someone out there who can tell us who is responsible - we need to talk to you," said Detective Chief Inspector David Cunningham.

DCI Cunningham said the murder investigations were very much alive and ongoing and appealed: "If you saw suspicious activity in Bog Meadows on March 12 or at Elmfield Street in north Belfast, please contact 0845 600 8000 and ask for detectives."

The killings were believed to be the result of tensions within splinter republican organisations but the Continuity IRA - suspected of involvement - denied responsibility.

A 22-year-old woman was arrested and questioned for several hours yesterday before being released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.

However, one man is in custody in the Republic charged in connection with the killings.

(BMcC)