Police appeal for potential witness to come forward and want help to locate Nikitta’ s mobile phone.
Officers investigating the murder of 19 year old Nikitta Grender are re- appealing for a potential witness to contact them and are also appealing for help in locating Nikittas mobile phone.
Three out of the four potential witnesses captured on CCTV and used in an appeal yesterday have contacted police. Police received 36 calls from members of the public following the appeal.
The one remaining witness is captured on CCTV walking on Fosse Road, Pontfaen, at 5.59am (see 2nd image)
That person could well hold vital information. Police would like him to get in touch as he may have seen something relevant to the investigation.
Nikittas mobile phone is a Samsung Tocco SF80, which has yet to be traced. (see image)
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.
Detective Superintendent Geoff Ronayne is leading the investigation:
“Although intensive searches have been carried out over the last few days, we have yet to find Nikittas mobile phone, a Samsung Tocco SF80. We had a very good response from the appeals we made yesterday and three out of four people captured have already come forward. We are grateful to the local community for their response to the media appeals”
“We are following many lines of enquiry and still need anyone who thinks they may be able to help to come forward. 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 working closely within the community to not only support the investigative team in any way they can but also to provide reassurance to the community. The community is in shock about what has happened and we want them to know that we are grateful for their help, co-operation and patience. The investigative team require any information the community can give that may help in any way. The community should also know that we have local officers on the ground to help in any way they can,”
