A MAN was today arrested for the murder of pregnant teenager Nikitta Grender, found stabbed to death at her Newport home.

Police said they have arrested a 26-year-old man from the Newport area on suspicion of murdering the 19-year-old mum-to-be. He is currently in custody.

Officers said the arrested man is not from the Broadmead Park area, Moorland Park or Pontfaen areas.

Officers remain at the scene today. Searches are continuing in and around the estate. Officers are searching six premises across the city as part of the investigation. House to House enquiries are continuing and forensic analysis is also continuing.

Joint Neighbourhood patrols with community safety wardens are continuing today, the mobile police office remains on the estate, police are also distributing leaflets and are using blue tooth technology to appeal to residents in the vicinity of Broadmead Park.

Police are continuing to appeal for anyone with information to come forward. Specifically they are appealing for anyone with CCTV in the Broadmead Park, Moorland Park and Pontfaen areas to come forward and for anyone who knew Nikitta or had been to her flat to come forward as they may have vital information.

Detective Superintendent Geoff Ronayne is leading the enquiry. He said: “We are continuing with the investigation today and we have many lines of enquiry to follow. We are continuing to appeal for information from the communities of Broadmead Park, Moorland Park and Pontfaen, specifically for private CCTV outside their addresses which could be really helpful to the investigation. We also want any friends of Nikittas, anyone in her circle of friends or anyone who has been to her flat to contact us. Anyone with information can contact us in the major incident room on 01443 865562 or alternatively call 01633 838111 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111”

Superintendent Dave Johnson urged the communities and the media to continue in their help and co-operation: “We have received 58 calls from members of the public so far in the investigation and we would urge this to continue. We understand there is strong feeling in the area but the best way to help police is to speak to us, not to speculate and give us as much information as possible so we can continue with the investigation. We would urge people with any information or concerns to speak to officers at the scene,”