Sad scene as Michaela Harte’s body returns home

Hundreds of mourners lined the roads leading to the home of Michaela Harte McAreavey, the tragic Tyrone girl murdered on her honeymoon in Mauritius, as her body was returned home.

Michaela, 27, was murdered after disturbing burglars in her room in her hotel on the tropical island paradise. Three hotel staff have been arrested and charged and a fourth is now also being held.

The funeral will be held on Monday and is expected to be attended by a huge crowd which will include President of Ireland Mary McAleese

Michaela is the daughter of Mickey Harte, the manager of the Tyrone Gaelic football team and one of the best known sports figures in Ireland. She had married John McAreavey, also a well known sportsman.

Earlier, the prime minister of Mauritius issued a personal apology to the Irish families and stated he was heartbroken by events.

Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam said that "no effort will be spared" to bring the killers to justice. He told the Belfast-based Irish News Daily: "I have a very special attachment to Ireland, having studied and lived there. It pains and saddens me that this has happened in Mauritius. We are collectively shocked and stunned."

It has also transpired that the hotel worker who has confessed said he hid behind the bed when Michaela first entered the room before attacking her.
Avinash Treebhoowoon confessed to the attack and said he and a fellow worker, 33-year-old Raj Theekoy, had noticed an open purse with money and jewelery when they cleaned the room.

Micaela had returned to her room unexpectedly to get some candies, leaving her new husband in the restaurant. When she did not return he found her dead in the bathtub with the water running. She had been strangled.

A third staff member, 41-year-old Sandip Moneea, is also implicated in the killing. Police say he was walking past the room and heard screams but did nothing.

Mauritius is the favorite location for newlyweds from Ireland, but travel agents report major cancellations.