A YOUNG mother found stabbed to death in Risca was described by grieving friends as having a "heart of gold".

The woman, named locally as popular mum Natalie Jenkins, 24, was discovered dead in the home of former partner, named locally as Mark Redwood, 30, on Saturday after a tip-off from Thames Valley Police.

It is believed Ms Jenkins, who local people said had a three-year-old daughter and had been living in Newport, may have been killed two days earlier.

Murder squad detectives were today bringing Mr Redwood, arrested in connection with her death, back to Gwent for questioning.

Shocked neighbours in Almond Avenue, Ty Sign, first became aware something was wrong on Saturday when a forensic team searched the house and closed their road.

Kirsty Evans, 25, from Cleveland Drive in Risca, has known Ms Jenkins since they were both pupils at Risca Comprehensive School and described her as having a "heart of gold".

Mrs Evans spoke through tears, saying: "We were in classes together all through school - she was lovely, she had a heart of gold and lots of friends. She was well-behaved, always got on with her work.

"I came to visit her in the house the police are searching when she lived here last year. I brought over my wedding photos for her.

"I still can't get over it. I woke up this morning and thought I'd dreamt the whole thing."

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "I have lived here over 30 years and there has never been anything like this, I can't remember anything so terrible. I felt sick."

Inspector Mark Ryley, of Gwent Police, said: "Officers discovered the body of a 24-year-old local woman with fatal stab wounds. No other person was in the house."

Superintendent John Oliver added: "Enquiries are ongoing in both Risca and Thames Valley and we are not looking for anybody else in relation to this investigation."

Meanwhile, Gwent Police are appealing to Thames Valley residents for information on a car found abandoned near Bix, South Oxford.

The black Mercedes 190 Sport, registration R342 LWO, is being linked to the investigation.

The driver is described as being a white man, in his thirties, around 5ft 10in and of medium to slim build. He has a shaved head and a finger missing on both hands.

Police say he was wearing a navy blue 'Penn' T-shirt, with either a brown leather jacket or a three quarter length red and black Berghaus jacket, grey jeans and brown Timberland shoes.

Anyone with information is askedd contact Gwent Police on 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.