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Three quizzed over student death Three quizzed over student death
(30 minutes later)
Three people are being questioned by Italian police over UK student Meredith Kercher's death on grounds of sexual violence and premeditated murder.Three people are being questioned by Italian police over UK student Meredith Kercher's death on grounds of sexual violence and premeditated murder.
They are an Italian student aged 24, a 37-year old legal Congolese immigrant and a US student aged 20, thought to be Miss Kercher's housemate, Amanda Knox. They are an Italian student aged 24, a 37-year-old legal Congolese immigrant and a US student aged 20, thought to be Miss Kercher's housemate, Amanda Knox.
Miss Kercher, 21, from Coulsdon, south London, died in Perugia, Italy.Miss Kercher, 21, from Coulsdon, south London, died in Perugia, Italy.
Asked by reporters if one of the three had confessed to the crime, the police said this was a valid hypothesis.Asked by reporters if one of the three had confessed to the crime, the police said this was a valid hypothesis.
The BBC's Christian Fraser said the questioning was a "significant development".The BBC's Christian Fraser said the questioning was a "significant development".
He added that Miss Kercher's friend and fellow student, Sophie Purton, had been refused permission to leave Italy.He added that Miss Kercher's friend and fellow student, Sophie Purton, had been refused permission to leave Italy.
Earlier, officers suggested that more than one person may have been involved in Miss Kercher's death.Earlier, officers suggested that more than one person may have been involved in Miss Kercher's death.
Her body was found on Friday in the bedroom of her apartment.Her body was found on Friday in the bedroom of her apartment.
ERASMUS PROGRAMME Seeks to "enhance the quality and reinforce the European dimension of higher education"Includes exchange schemes for studentsCovers 2199 higher education institutions in 31 countries Dangers for women travelling solo ERASMUS PROGRAMME Seeks to "enhance the quality and reinforce the European dimension of higher education"Includes exchange schemes for studentsCovers 2199 higher education institutions in 31 countries Dangers for women travelling solo
She was partially-clothed and under a duvet and is thought to have been stabbed with a pocket knife.She was partially-clothed and under a duvet and is thought to have been stabbed with a pocket knife.
Nicola Miriano, the investigating magistrate, told reporters that Miss Kercher died as a result of "a violent action by an unidentified person or persons".Nicola Miriano, the investigating magistrate, told reporters that Miss Kercher died as a result of "a violent action by an unidentified person or persons".
Luca Lalli, the medical examiner, said there was evidence that she had taken part in sexual activity before her death, but did not confirm reports that she had been raped.Luca Lalli, the medical examiner, said there was evidence that she had taken part in sexual activity before her death, but did not confirm reports that she had been raped.
'Very difficult''Very difficult'
Miss Kercher, who had been on a study year from Leeds University as part of the Erasmus programme, is known to have gone to at least one party on Halloween last Wednesday, the night before she died.Miss Kercher, who had been on a study year from Leeds University as part of the Erasmus programme, is known to have gone to at least one party on Halloween last Wednesday, the night before she died.
This has led police to believe she may have known her killer, and even met them at the party.This has led police to believe she may have known her killer, and even met them at the party.
The next evening, she had dinner with a female friend, and went home in the middle of the evening.The next evening, she had dinner with a female friend, and went home in the middle of the evening.
I hear her name mentioned and it sets me off crying again John KercherI hear her name mentioned and it sets me off crying again John Kercher
One theory is that she opened the door of the apartment and let the killer inside.One theory is that she opened the door of the apartment and let the killer inside.
Officers have been carrying out checks for fingerprints on two mobile phones belonging to Miss Kercher, which were found at or near the scene.Officers have been carrying out checks for fingerprints on two mobile phones belonging to Miss Kercher, which were found at or near the scene.
An elderly woman found one mobile abandoned in her garden and handed it to police.An elderly woman found one mobile abandoned in her garden and handed it to police.
Officers traced it to the flat, where they kicked in the door and discovered Miss Kercher's body.Officers traced it to the flat, where they kicked in the door and discovered Miss Kercher's body.
The Daily Telegraph quoted her father, John Kercher, as saying that he had found it "very difficult" to learn of the circumstances surrounding her death.The Daily Telegraph quoted her father, John Kercher, as saying that he had found it "very difficult" to learn of the circumstances surrounding her death.
He said: "Meredith was just not that sort of person.He said: "Meredith was just not that sort of person.
"She would never have got involved in anything like that."She would never have got involved in anything like that.
"I think I am dealing with it and then I see cards and pictures or I hear her name mentioned and it sets me off crying again.""I think I am dealing with it and then I see cards and pictures or I hear her name mentioned and it sets me off crying again."
'Devastated''Devastated'
Friends of Miss Kercher held a candlelit vigil in her memory at Perugia's cathedral on Monday night.Friends of Miss Kercher held a candlelit vigil in her memory at Perugia's cathedral on Monday night.
Perugia is home to many students from overseasPerugia is home to many students from overseas
In a statement, her family said they were "devastated" at losing "a loving daughter, sister and a loyal friend".In a statement, her family said they were "devastated" at losing "a loving daughter, sister and a loyal friend".
It said: "She was pursuing her dream and we can take some comfort in knowing that she has left us at what was a very happy time in her life.It said: "She was pursuing her dream and we can take some comfort in knowing that she has left us at what was a very happy time in her life.
"We feel it is no exaggeration to say that Meredith touched the lives of everyone she met with her infectious, upbeat personality, smile and sense of humour."We feel it is no exaggeration to say that Meredith touched the lives of everyone she met with her infectious, upbeat personality, smile and sense of humour.
"The sheer volume of tributes that have poured in during the past few days bear testament to the special girl we will all remember.""The sheer volume of tributes that have poured in during the past few days bear testament to the special girl we will all remember."
The statement also appealed for anyone with information to come forward "to help us bring to justice the person who has destroyed so many lives".The statement also appealed for anyone with information to come forward "to help us bring to justice the person who has destroyed so many lives".