Two women are charged over Antigua murders

Two women have been charged over the murders of the British honeymoon couple Ben and Catherine Mullany in Antigua, police said last night.

The two women, who have not been named, appeared before the chief magistrates at St John's Court on the Caribbean island. They are charged with offences relating to goods stolen from the couple.

Mr and Mrs Mullany, both 31, from Pontardawe, south Wales, were shot in the head in their cottage at the Cocos Hotel and Resort in the south-west of the island on the last day of their honeymoon on 27 July. On Wednesday morning, the couple were buried at the church where they were married last month.

Inspector Cornelius Charles, of Antigua police, said: "The investigation into the murders of Benjamin and Catherine Mullany has been ongoing. This morning two females appeared before the chief magistrates at St John's court, having been arrested and charged with offences connected to the murders. At this stage we are not in a position to disclose any further information as the inquiry continues. However, further information will be provided in due course."

The murdered couple were buried in a private ceremony a month after saying their wedding vows. It is believed the funerals took place at St John the Evangelist church in Cilybebyll, where they married on 12 July. Relatives said plans were being made for a funeral service to allow extended family members, friends and colleagues to pay their respects later this month.

The Swansea coroner, Philip Rogers, released the bodies for burial when he opened and adjourned an inquest into the couple's deaths on Tuesday.

More than 30 people have been questioned in connection with the shootings and eight British officers have flown to Antigua to help with the inquiry.