Updated at 7.55pm

TWO WOMEN ARRESTED this morning in connection with the abduction and murder of Jean McConville in 1972 have been released.

Police in Belfast arrested the pair, aged 57 and 60, this morning and they were taken for questioning

The PSNI confirmed this evening that they had been released, and that a file is to be prepared for the Northern Ireland Public Prosecution Service.

McConville, a 37-year-old mother of ten, was abducted from her home in December 1972. She was shot and killed by the IRA and her body buried. She became known as one of the Disappeared. Her remains were not recovered until August 2003, when they were discovered on a beach in Louth.

As 77-year-old Ivor Bell appeared in court to be charged with aiding and abetting the killing in March, the judge was told that part of the evidence used to bring Bell before the court was an interview given by the defendant to Boston College researchers.

He has denied any role in the murder.

First posted at 2.11pm. Additional reporting, Daragh Brophy.

Read: Boston College testimony used to bring veteran republican to court over Jean McConville

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