Murdered German backpacker Inga Maria Hauser

TWO man was arrested on Monday in connection with the 1988 murder of German backpacker Inga Maria Hauser have both been released on bail, say police.

A 61-year-old man was released from custody this morning following a day of questioning.

This afternoon, a second man, aged 58, was also freed from police custody.

Both men, who were detained in Loughguile, Co Antrim,  have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Ms Hauser, 18, went missing after she arrived in Larne on a ferry from Scotland on April 6, 1988.

Her body was found two weeks later in a remote part of Ballypatrick Forest, near Ballycastle in Co Antrim.

Police renewed their appeal for information last month – the 30th anniversary of the murder.

Earlier this month senior detectives said they had received the results of further DNA testing which brought their investigation closer to their suspects who murdered and disposed of her body.

Police believe Ms Hauser died shortly after she arrived in Northern Ireland, having been subjected to “a vicious and ruthless assault”.