THE teenager whose death is at the centre of a murder probe was stabbed, police revealed a few minutes ago.

Nikitta Grender 19, was found dead after a fire at a flat in the Broadmead Park area of Newport early yesterday.

A post mortem examination has shown that Nikitta was stabbed, a police spokeswoman said.

A weapon, believed to be a knife has not yet been found but police say this is a priority for search teams.

Gwent Police officers remain at the scene which is cordoned off, are conducting house to house enquiries and forensic officers also remain at the scene.

Officers will also be looking at CCTV as part of the investigation. Specially trained officers are supporting her family.

A major incident team has been set up to investigate the incident. Over 50 officers are working on the investigation.

Detective Superintendent Geoff Ronayne is leading the investigation. He said: "This is an horrific crime where two innocent lives have been lost. Nikitta was two weeks away from giving birth to a baby girl. This is particularly callous and something we very rarely see. When Nikitta's family should have been looking forward to the birth of her baby they are now absolutely grief stricken.

"We know Nikitta was out with friends Friday evening and visited Macdonalds in the Spytty area during the evening and we are establishing the exact time she was dropped back to her address but we would urge anyone who was in the vicinity of Nikitta's address in 51 Broadmead Park, was with her or who saw her at any stage from 7pm on Friday February 4th onwards to get in touch.

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

Nikitta was discovered in the bedroom of her flat. Her pet dog, a pug cross, also died in the bedroom.

Superintendent Dave Johnson said: "The close-knit community of Broadmead Park is shocked by the events over the last 24 hours. We have members of our neighbourhood team in and around the Broadmead Park area who are available to speak to anyone who has any information about this incident. We have a mobile police office in the area as well and we would urge anyone who has information or anyone who has any concerns to come and speak to us,"

A dedicated major incident room has been set up and if anyone has information they should call 01443 865562 to speak to a member of the enquiry team or call 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.