Michaela crime scene photos: official protest from Ireland

The Irish ambassador to Mauritius will make a "strong protest" over the publication of crime scene photos of murdered honeymooner Michaela McAreavey.

Deputy prime minister Eamon Gilmore said the publication was unacceptable.

"It shows a total lack of respect to both her memory and the feelings of her family who have already suffered so much," he said.

The ambassador will also press for an urgent examination of the murder case.

Mrs McAreavey, a 27-year-old teacher from County Tyrone, was killed in her room at the Legends hotel in Mauritius in January 2011.

"The ambassador will in the first instance convey a strong protest to the Mauritian authorities at what appears to be the leaking of evidential material to the local media there," said Mr Gilmore.

"He will also enquire as to what further actions will be undertaken by the authorities there to investigate the murder."

Mr Gilmore said he had not seen the photographs, which included a full-length image of Mrs McAreavey's body in her hotel room and close-ups of injuries on her neck.

"I would consider looking at those photos to be an invasion of Michaela's privacy and the privacy of her family," he said.

He said he had spoken to John McAreavey, and that he was very concerned that "an urgent examination of the case be undertaken to ensure that justice will be seen to be done for Michaela, John and their families".

"I believe the Mauritian authorities have a responsibility to ensure that evidence did not come into the hands of the media," said Mr Gilmore.

"I'm very concerned that did happen."

Two men were acquitted of Mrs McAreavey's murder last week.

The Mauritian Sunday Times, in which the pictures were published, has no connection to any British or Irish publications.