Murdered teenager's parents express grief

The grieving parents of a heavily pregnant teenager, Nikitta Grender, have spoken of their struggle to come to terms with her violent murder.

Paying tribute they said: "As a close family we are trying to come to terms with the tragic events which have led to the untimely death of our beautiful daughter Nikitta and grand daughter Kelsey-May".

"We wish to appeal for any persons with information to contact the police in an effort to find out why this has happened.

"We ask to be left alone at this time with Nikitta and Kelsey-May's family to come to terms, if possible, with the tragic events which have taken our daughter and grandchild from us."

Police investigating the murder of the heavily-pregnant teenager say they believe the crime was "locally based" and that the answers lie within the community.

A post-mortem examination has revealed Grender had been stabbed before the fire in her Newport flat took hold.

Detective Superintendent Geoff Ronayne of Gwent Police said: "This is an horrific crime where two innocent lives have been lost.

"Someone must know who did this and we are urging members of the community to come forward and help us with this inquiry."