GWENT Police are appealing for friends and associates of murdered woman Nikitta Grender to come forward as they may have vital information.

Detective Superintendent Geoff Ronayne is leading the investigation: "We have had calls from members of the public but we would like more information. Specifically we would like to hear from anyone who knew Nikitta, who was in her circle of friends and wider associates - male or female - who spent time with her and perhaps had been to her flat at 51 Broadmead Park.

"We are now fairly certain of Nikitta’s whereabouts during the early part of the evening: she went, in her friend’s car, to McDonalds, they then drove around the Newport and Cwmbran area and she then was back at the flat at approximately 1am on the Saturday morning.

“We know from a neighbour that the fire alarm went off at 5.30am. We now know that the fire was started after she was stabbed, probably to disguise the attack, so we are interested in anyone who knows of Nikitta’s whereabouts or any visitors to the flat or any suspicious activity in the area between 1am and 5.30am to come forward and help with the enquiry.

"We have specialist officers supporting the family who are understandably distraught at the horrific events which have occurred over the last few days and our thoughts remain with them."

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

A number of exhibits have been sent for forensic analysis.