Crews quizzed about Co Down bodies

Ships crews have been questioned in a bid to identify two men whose mutilated bodies were found dumped by a roadside in Northern Ireland.

Detectives have not ruled out the possibility that the pair may have been working on boats at Warrenpoint harbour in Co Down, close to where the discovery was made.

It is believed both men had been bludgeoned to death and their bodies discarded in deep undergrowth close to a golf course.

It is not known how long they had been there, but it is understood police diving teams have been alerted and may carry out a search of the Narrow Water Bridge area.

As police prepared to remove the bodies, one source said all theories were being examined to try to establish their identities.

Detectives have not ruled out a possible drugs link.

It is understood travelling families have also been questioned as part of the investigation.

The movements of all boats docking in Warrenpoint harbour over the last 72 hours are being checked.

Any paramilitary involvement in the murders has been ruled out, police said.

One of the bodies discovered yesterday was clothed in a zip-up green red and blue striped cardigan and there was a gold earring in the left ear.

Stormont Assembly member PJ Bradley, who visited the scene today, said people in the area were baffled by the murders.

‘‘There is no-one missing in the area, no-one reported missing, even throughout Northern Ireland up until this morning, and there’s no indication whatsoever about the reason or the cause for these murders,’’ he said.

The grim spectacle reminded local people of the frequent dumping of bodies by terrorists along the border at the height of the Troubles.

Mr Bradley added: ‘‘It’s a reminder of how delicate the entire situation can be when people take the law into their own hands.

‘‘I would appeal if anyone has any assistance to help identify the bodies this morning because some poor mother, wife, brother or sister are waiting, wondering where their loved ones are.’’