Officers investigating the murder of 19 year old Nikitta Grender have arrested a 26 year old man from the Newport area on suspicion of murder. He is currently 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. Officers are searching six premises across the City as part of the investigation. 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 of Broadmead Park.
Officers are continuing to appeal for anyone with information to come forward. Specifically they are appealing for anyone with CCTV in the Broadmead Park, Moorland Park and Pontfaen areas to come forward and for anyone who knew Nikitta or had been to her flat to come forward as they may have vital information.
Nikittas body was discovered following a fire at her flat at 51 Broadmead Park, Newport early Saturday morning (February 5th). Nikitta was heavily pregnant at the time of her death. Her body was discovered in the bedroom of her flat.
It has been confirmed that Nikitta died of two stab wounds. Police are continuing to search for a weapon, believed to be a knife, although forensic work is continuing to establish the type of knife.
A major incident team of 50 officers continue to work on the investigation and Detective Superintendent Geoff Ronayne is leading the enquiry:
“We are continuing with the investigation today and we have many lines of enquiry to follow. We are continuing to appeal for information from the communities of Broadmead Park, Moorland Park and Pontfaen, specifically for private CCTV outside their addresses which could be really helpful to the investigation. We also want any friends of Nikittas, anyone in her circle of friends or anyone who has been to her flat to contact us. 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 urged the communities and the media to continue in their help and co-operation:
“We have received 58 calls from members of the public so far in the investigation and we would urge this to continue. We understand there is strong feeling in the area but the best way to help police is to speak to us, not to speculate and give us as much information as possible so we can continue with the investigation. We would urge people with any information or concerns to speak to officers at the scene.”
