Two women charged over murders of British couple shot dead on Antigua honeymoon

The unnamed pair, aged 22 and 32, are accused of handling goods stolen from the couple's hotel room the night they were killed.

The women - who are thought to be locals on the Caribbean island - appeared yesterday at St John's Magistrates' Court after being questioned by detectives.

Murdered: Ben and Catherine Mullany on their wedding day

A police spokesman said last night that he was unable to reveal any further information because the investigation is still ongoing.

But a source described the arrests as 'significant'.

In a statement, Inspector Cornelius Charles, of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, said: ‘The investigation into the double murders of Benjamin and Catherine Mullany has been ongoing.

‘Two females appeared before the chief magistrates at St. John’s Magistrates Court, having been arrested and charged with offences connected to the murders.

 ‘At this stage we are not in a position to disclose any further information as the enquiry continues.

 ‘However further information will be provided in due course when appropriate to do so.’

Poignant: Flowers line Ben and Catherine's grave

When asked for details about the women and charges, Insp Charles added: ‘We are not reporting the details on that as yet since it is very crucial to the other lines of investigations currently being pursued.’

A police source added: ‘This is a significant move in the inquiry but we cannot say anything further at this stage.’

Physiotherapist Ben Mullany and his paediatrician wife Catherine, both 31, from Pontardawe, South Wales, were blasted in the head in the apparent botched robbery at the end of their honeymoon.

Both were buried this week in a private ceremony in the same church where they had exchanged their wedding vows just one month earlier.

Eight British police officers have now flown to Antigua to join the hunt for the killers, including forensic experts who have combed the oceanfront bungalow for evidence.

More than 30 people have been questioned, including beach bum Clarence 'Cloud' James - a man police have previously said is their chief suspect.

Murder in paradise: The cottage at Coco Hotel where the couple were killed

The 31-year-old alleged drug dealer, who regularly befriends British tourists, has been arrested twice and released.

He is currently free but being monitored by police. The force’s efforts have been hampered by a ‘code of silence’ among local people who do not trust the police.

A taxi driver in Antigua said: ‘Nobody here wants to tell the police anything but we are all desperate for them to find who murdered the couple.

‘People here are glad to see the police are taking people to court. We’re all waiting to see who it was that pulled that trigger.’

The families of tragic newly weds Ben and Catherine Mullany were today told of the arrests in Antigua.

Police liaison officers appointed to help Ben and Catherine’s families relayed the news directly from the investigating team in Antigua.

Blissfully happy: Ben and Catherine were to return from Antigua the day after the attack

Both families were at home today still mourning the couple who were buried together in a private funeral at the family church near Pontardawe, in south Wales, on Wednesday.

A South Wales Police statement said: ‘South Wales Police has relayed news of the latest developments in Antigua to the families of Ben and Catherine Mullany.

‘The force is continuing its support of the ongoing investigation and trained family liaison officers are continuing to support the families and keep them fully updated on events both in the UK and Antigua.’