GARDAI investigating the stabbing and mutilation of two psychiatric patients at Grangegorman in Dublin are now satisfied that the killer broke into their home.
Forensic tests carried out on the broken rear kitchen window of the hostel have indicated that the person behind the atrocities was not let into the house by the occupants, according to a Garda source.
Gardai are angry at media reports that evidence of cannibalism had been discovered by officers investigating the gruesome deaths. These claims had caused deep distress to members of the victims' families.
The murder of Mary Callinan (61) and Sylvia Shields (57) at their home in Orchard View featured on RTE's Crimeline programme last night.
Two psychological profilers from Scotland Yard have been brought in by gardai to help to indicate the type of person they are seeking and whether the killer is likely to strike again.
The macabre nature of the injuries inflicted on the women has appalled even hardened gardai. It is believed that such an attack has never before been encountered in this country.
Both bodies were severely mutilated after the women were killed on March 6th-7th. Gardai believe their killer arrived at the house with the intention of committing murder.
Gardai are satisfied that the killer entered the terraced house, opposite St Brendan's psychiatric hospital, by breaking the kitchen window. A third woman in the house slept through the attacks.
Forensic tests are continuing on a number of knives recovered at the scene, at least some of which are believed to have come from the house where the women lived.
The hijacking of car in Baggot Street on the same night is said to be unconnected with the murders. The driver was forced out of his car in Merrion Square and it has not been found since.
On the same evening a man in a car, thought to be a black Volkswagen Polo, attempted to abduct a prostitute at Benburb Street, not far from Grangegorman. This also has no link to the murders, gardai believe.
Anyone with information should contact the Bridewell garda station on 01-872-5777.