Officers investigating the murder of 19 year old Nikitta Grender want to trace four people captured on CCTV from in and around the Broadmead Park, Moorland Park and Pontfaen areas.
The members of the public were captured on CCTV in the early hours of the morning on Saturday February 5th , the day Nikitta’s body was discovered, and could hold vital information. Police would like them to get in touch as they may have seen something relevant to the investigation.
Image 1 is taken from the back of Moorland Park Community Centre and shows a couple walking toward the bridge /new road between Moorland Park and Broadmead Park at 3.41am
Image 2 is taken from the same location and shows a male (who is possibly carrying a bag with a reflective strip on it). The male is again walking toward the new bridge/ new road between Moorland Park and Broadmead Park at 5:56am
Image 3 shows a male walking on Fosse Road, Pontfaen at 5:59am
Nikitta’s body was discovered following a fire at her flat at 51 Broadmead Park, Newport. Nikitta was heavily pregnant at the time of her death. Her body was discovered in the bedroom of her flat. Nikitta died of two stab wounds.
Police are continuing to search for a weapon, believed to be a knife. Forensic work is continuing to establish the type of knife.
Police have arrested, and are currently questioning, a 26 year old man from the Newport area on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody at this time. The 26 year old man is not from the Broadmead Park area, Moorland Park or Pontfaen areas.
Officers remain at the scene. Searches are continuing in and around the estate. Searches are continuing at two out of six premises searched, located across the City. House to House enquiries are continuing and forensic analysis is also continuing.
Joint Neighbourhood patrols with community safety wardens are continuing today, the mobile police office remains on the estate, police are also distributing leaflets and are using blue tooth technology to appeal to residents in the vicinity.
The major incident team of 50 officers are continuing with the investigation which is led by Detective Superintendent Geoff Ronayne:
“CCTV is just one line of enquiry we are following. These people captured could have important information for us, may have seen something that to them is irrelevant however it could be a vital piece of information we need. We are continuing with forensic analysis and house to house. We are grateful for the help we are being given from the local community however we still need people who knew Nikitta, who have been to her flat and for people who have private CCTV in the area of Broadmead Park, Moorland Park and Pontfaen to get in touch. Anyone with information can contact us in the major incident room on 01443 865562 or alternatively call 01633 838111 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111”
Superintendent Dave Johnson is urging the communities and the media to continue in their help and co-operation:
“Our Neighbourhood officers are supporting the investigative team in any way they can whilst providing support and reassurance to the community. We are grateful for the help, co-operation and patience the community has provided us. We would urge them not to speculate and call police if they have any information whatsoever. The mobile police office is in place and will remain so. If anyone has any concerns whatsoever please speak to local officers who remain in the vicinity patrolling with Newport City Council Safety Wardens,”
