Body of murdered honeymooner starts journey home

The body of murdered honeymooner Michaela McAreavey was on its way back to Ireland today.

Her widower John and her brother Mark were in Mauritius as her coffin was taken from the hospital morgue to the airport, where it will be flown to London on the first stage of her journey back home.

Relatives hope her remains will arrive in London sometime early tomorrow morning and then be flown on to Belfast.

It is expected her funeral will take place close to her Co Tyrone home early next week - in the same church where she wed only weeks ago.

The repatriation is taking place as police continue their investigation into the murder in the luxury Legends Hotel on Monday.

Three hotel workers have appeared in court charged in connection with the murder of the 27-year-old teacher, who was the daughter of Mickey Harte, the celebrated manager of Ireland's all-conquering Tyrone gaelic football team.

Irish Ambassador in South Africa Brendan McMahon, who is on the holiday island, said his immediate aim was to get Mrs McAreavey's remains and family members home as soon as possible.

"We are certainly very hopeful this will happen this evening," he told RTE.

"We hope and pray there will be not any last minute hitches."