THE grieving parents of a heavily pregnant teenager spoke today of their struggle to come to terms with her violent murder.

Nikitta Grender, 19, was found dead by firefighters called to a blaze at her flat in Newport, south Wales, on Saturday morning.

Neighbours in the community on the estate in Broadmead Park, Liswerry, where she lived, have spoken of their shock and anger at the killing.

Murder hunt detectives re-appealed for anyone, particularly close friends of the murdered woman, to come forward with information.

Now Miss Grender's parents have spoken out for the first time in a brief statement paying tribute to their daughter and unborn grand-daughter who was to be named Kelsey-May.

They also joined police by issuing their own appeal for public help in hunting down the murderer.

"As a close family we are trying to come to terms with the tragic events which have led to the untimely death of our beautiful daughter Nikitta and grand-daughter Kelsey-May,’’ they said in the statement issued by Gwent Police.

"We wish to appeal for any persons with information to contact the police in an effort to find out why this has happened.

"We ask to be left alone at this time with Nikitta and Kelsey-May's family to come to terms, if possible, with the tragic events which have taken our daughter and grandchild from us.’’