An Irish man (32) has been arrested at Alicante Airport in connection with a double murder in Co Louth four years ago.

The man was detained on a  European arrest warrant by Civil Guard officers, after he arrived at the Costa Blanca airport on an EasyJet flight from Belfast. The officers had been tipped off and were waiting for him in Spain.

It is understood he was arrested over the double murder of gangland figures Anthony Burnett (32) and Joseph Redmond (25). 

Reports say the victims were subjected to torture before being shot in the head. They were later found in the front seat of a burning car in Co Louth in 2012.

The 32-year-old now faces an extradition hearing in Madrid where he will be asked if he consents to extradition or not.

A spokesman for the Civil Guard in Alicante said today:

"I can confirm we have arrested a 32-year-man on foot of an extradition warrant in connection with a double murder. He was held as he arrived at Alicante Airport on a flight from Belfast."

A 41-year-old from Rathmines, was arrested over the crime in April 2014.