Around 14 suspects have been rounded up by police probing the murder of newlywed doctor Catherine Mullany at her honeymoon hotel in Antigua, it was reported.

Mrs Mullany, formerly Bowen, was shot in the head in a bungled robbery. Her physiotherapist husband Benjamin is fighting for his life in a hospital intensive care unit after being shot in the neck.

The couple, both 31, were on the last day of their honeymoon when robbers apparently burst into their cottage as they slept. They left for a two-week honeymoon after marrying at a church in the Swansea valley in South Wales on July 12.

Andy Liburd, news editor of the Antigua Sun, said the murder had sent "shock waves" through the whole community. He told GMTV: "They have probably pulled in at least 14 persons. What police have been saying is that this is a robbery that went terribly wrong."

Mr Liburd told the Press Association: "Here in Antigua, people can be in custody for two days before police either arrest or release them.

"The police will want to run the investigation to its fullest course and make sure all the pieces are in place before they make arrests."

A brief statement from the parents of Catherine Mullany, released through the South Wales Police, spoke of their devastation.

It said: "We are deeply shocked and devastated at the recent events in Antigua and are struggling to comprehend what has happened to Ben and Catherine. We appreciate the support of our family and friends and would ask the media to respect our privacy at this difficult time."

Further details added by the police stated: "Ben and Catherine travelled to Antigua for their honeymoon on July 14 following their wedding which was held on July 12. They were due to return to the UK on July 28.

"South Wales Police has appointed two trained family liaison officers who are supporting the families and relaying information to them from the Antiguan authorities and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office."