Men who apologised over McAreavey video express concern over ‘public witch hunt’

John and Michaela McAreavey on their wedding day (Irish News/PA)

Three men who have apologised after an incident involving a chant mocking a murdered honeymooner have expressed concern about being subject to a “public witch hunt”.

A statement from JWB Consultancy on behalf of John Bell, Andrew McDade and Richie Beattie said a Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) investigation under the Communications Act had commenced but it said it was “unclear how the elements of such an offence would be made out”.