FULL STORY: Newport man arrested on suspicion of murder after two bodies found on Queen Street in Cardiff

A NEWPORT man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a couple in Cardiff city centre.

Zoe Morgan, 21, from Llandaff North and Lee Simmons, 33, from Grangetown were found dead early yesterday morning on Queen Street close to the Matalan store where the pair worked. 

South Wales Police arrested a 20-year-old man at an address in Castleton later in the morning. 

A spokesman for South Wales Police has confirmed that the man is currently being detained at Cardiff Bay Police Station and said the police are not looking for anybody else in relation to the incident.

Post mortem examinations will be carried out to determine the causes of deaths of the young couple. 

It is believed that they sustained stab wounds.

A major crime and incident unit has been set up at Cardiff Central Police Station while the investigation continues.

Chief Superintendent Belinda Davies, said: “Please be reassured that we have a team of officers investigating what happened and importantly we have a suspect in custody and we are not looking for anybody else.

“We are in the very early stages of the investigation but I would like to add that at this stage we believe the suspect was known to the victims and it was not a random assault.

A large section of Queen Street was cordoned off, preventing public access to much of the pedestrianised area which was being treated as a crime scene.

She added: “The ongoing understanding and cooperation from the public and business community is very helpful.

“I would also like to appeal for people to be mindful that this is a very traumatic time for families involved in the incident and to use their better judgement when sharing and using images on social media.

“Our thoughts are with the families involved at this tragic time.”

Chief executive of Matalan Jason Hargreaves added: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm that there was a fatal stabbing in Queen Street, Cardiff, this morning.

“Police discovered the bodies of a man and a woman outside the premises at 6am and arrested one man who is currently in police custody.

“Both of the victims worked at our Cardiff branch so understandably all of our colleagues are receiving our full support. We request that they are given the space to deal with this at this difficult time.

“That is all we know at this stage and we are working tirelessly with the police in their investigations. We extend our condolences to the families of everyone involved.”

Anybody with information is urged to contact the incident room via 101. Alternatively they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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UPDATE: 4.35pm

The man and the woman found dead this morning in Queen Street in central Cardiff have been named as Zoe Morgan, 21, from Llandaff North and Lee Simmons, 33, from Grangetown.

Specially trained family liaison officers are supporting both families at this time.

UPDATE: 2pm

THE man arrested this morning in Cardiff on suspicion of murder is a 20-year-old man from Castleton.

Police say they believe the 33-year-old man and 21-year-old woman found dead this morning in Queen Street, Cardiff, had been stabbed.

The man was arrested in a joint operation between South Wales Police and Gwent Police officers at an address in Castleton, picture above, within an hour of the incident being reported. He is currently detained in Cardiff Bay police station.

An eyewtiness told us that five police cars and a police van were at the scene in Castleton this morning and that a car, covered in a tarpaulin, was taken away on a low-loader.

Police are not looking for anybody else in connection with the incident.

Post mortem examinations will be carried out to determine the causes of the deaths. 

Chief Superintendent Belinda Davies, said: “This incident occurred in the main shopping area in the heart of the city in rush hour and it has no doubt shocked the community of Cardiff. Please be reassured that we have a team of officers investigating what happened and importantly we have a suspect in custody and we are not looking for anybody else.

“We are in the very early stages of the investigation but I would like to add that at this stage we believe the suspect was known to the victims and it was not a random assault. I would like to dispel speculation circulating as to the motive behind this tragic incident and make it clear that this is not being linked to terrorism, and any links to the homeless community are unfounded.”

A large section of Queen Street has been cordoned off which is preventing public access to much of the pedestrianised area which is now being treated as a crime scene.

Chief Superintendent Belinda Davies, added: “The ongoing understanding and cooperation from the public and business community is very helpful. I would also like to appeal for people to be mindful that this is a very traumatic time for families involved in the incident and to use their better judgement when sharing and using images on social media. Our thoughts are with the families involved at this tragic time.”

Anybody with information is urged to contact the incident room via 101.Alternatively that can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

UPDATE: 9.11am

A NEWPORT man has been arrested after a man and a woman were found dead this morning in a Cardiff street.

Officers from South Wales Police have cordoned off the section of Queen Street, between Pizza Hut and Superdrug, while forensic investigators carry out tests at the scene.

A spokesman from South Wales Police said: “South Wales Police is investigating the deaths of a man and woman, following the discovery of two bodies in Queen Street Cardiff.

“Emergency Services attended the scene at approximately 5.50am on Wednesday, September 28.

"A 20-year-old man from the Newport area has been arrested and is currently in police custody and police are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident at this time.

“In addition, there may be some disruption in Queen Street due to police cordons and we ask for the patience of the public while investigations are ongoing,” he added.

South Wales Police are appealing for information, and anyone who can help with their investigations is urged to call the police on 101, or alternatively Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting occurrence 1600373650.