16/05/2002

Two men found in Warrenpoint suffered brutal deaths

Police investigating the discovery of the bodies of two men in County Down are examining the possibility that the duo may have been murdered elsewhere.

The identity of the men remains a mystery and police have appealed for anyone concerned about missing persons to contact them.

It is not known where the men died or how long they had been lying at the side of the road.

However it has been confirmed that both men met a brutal and vicious death. A police spokesman confirmed that the bodies showed signs of multiple stabbings.

The grim discovery was made on Wednesday afternoon by a passer-by alongside Mound Road near Warrenpoint Golf Course.

It was initially thought there was only one body but later in the day a second was found lying underneath the first.

A major security operation was mounted by the British army who moved in last night and again today to check the area for possible booby traps.

Police are not ruling out a drugs link or paramilitary involvement at this stage.

Some media reports have speculated that one theory being explored is that the deaths may be linked to a feud within the travelling community.

It has also been confirmed that police in the Republic of Ireland and Interpol are helping police with the investigation.

(AMcE)

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