Michaela murder scene pictures published

The 12 images in the paper, called the Sunday Times, show close-ups of Michaela's body and injuries, as well as the crime scene.

The paper has used the headline 'Exclusive' on the front page, alongside a picture of Mrs McAreavey taken after her death.

The 27-year-old only daughter of Tyrone GAA boss Mickey Harte was killed in her hotel room at the Legends Resort in January 2011.

In a statement, a spokesman for the McAreavey and Harte families described the publication of the pictures as "reprehensible and repugnant".

As the families struggle to come to terms with the result from the trial, this reprehensible and repugnant action by this newspaper is not only insensitive to their grief but it marks another low in the treatment of John, the two families and the dignity of Michaela.

McAreavey and Harte family spokesman

"The Mauritian authorities need now to match their words with actions and ensure that insensitive reporting by newspapers within their jurisdiction does not further exacerbate the violation of Michaela and the hurt to John," the statement read.

Colm McQuinn, the Irish Independent's reporter in Mauritius, said they are "absolutely shocked" that the newspaper took the decision to publish these images.

"It's a tabloid paper, the Sunday Times, and they have put a picture of Michaela's lifeless body on the front cover of what can only be described as a rag.

"[There are] further pictures showing her body and the horrendous injuries to her neck and showing the state of room 1025 where John McAreavey found her body.

"There's numerous images in the paper and everyone is aghast that any newspaper could take the decision to publish such distressing images," he said.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said the publication was "an outrageous abuse" that could not be justified in any way.

Just when it seems the system in Mauritius cannot heap anymore pain and anguish onto the McAreavey and Harte families a local newspaper publishes pictures of Michaela's body.

Martin McGuinness

"It is clear that these photos have emanated from within the Mauritian system," he added.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny also condemned the publication, which he said was an "an appalling invasion of privacy and is a gross affront to human dignity".

"There are issues of fundamental human rights in question in relation to this deeply upsetting matter.

"This reprehensible act can only add to the pain and suffering of the McAreavey and Harte families and our thoughts and sympathies are again with them at this time.

"On behalf of the people of Ireland, the Government will be lodging a formal complaint in the strongest possible terms, with the government of Mauritius."

Earlier this week, two former hotel workers were found not guilty of the teacher's murder by nine jurors who took just over two hours to deliberate.