Irish witnesses invited to new du Plantier inquiry

Irish witnesses have been invited to travel to Paris to give evidence at an inquiry into the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier in Cork near 13 years ago.

French magistrates have issued invitations to a number of Irish people to attend the hearings, which are due to begin next month.

Ms Toscan du Plantier was beaten to death near her holiday home in Schull in December 1996.

Despite a high-profile murder investigation, nobody has ever been convicted of the murder.

The new French inquiry into the killing was established following pressure from the du Plantier family.

Witnesses will be able to give evidence in secret and the public will not be allowed into the hearings.