Murder investigation launched after couple found strangled

Gardai in Dublin have launched a murder investigation after a post mortem revealed a young Asian couple found dead in their burnt-out flat were strangled.

The couple, who have not yet been formally identified, are thought to have been killed some time before the fire began.

The couple, who are in their twenties, are believed to be of Chinese origin and were studying here and working part time.

Their bodies were found on the bedroom floor of their burnt apartment at Blackhall Square in the north inner city.

A post mortem carried out by deputy state pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy found the young couple had been strangled.

It is thought they were murdered some time before the fire broke out.

There was no sign of a break in at the apartment, but witnesses recalled hearing a loud bang or explosion before the blaze.

Detectives believe that petrol may have been thrown into the flat.

Door-to-door inquiries are continuing in a bid to track down the final movements of the dead couple.