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Cannibal's family in tribute to victim Cerys Marie Yemm | Cannibal's family in tribute to victim Cerys Marie Yemm |
(35 minutes later) | |
The family of a man suspected of murdering a woman in an act of cannibalism has paid tribute to her. | The family of a man suspected of murdering a woman in an act of cannibalism has paid tribute to her. |
Relatives of Matthew Williams, who was found attacking Cerys Marie Yemm, 22, at a halfway house for ex-offenders in Argoed, near Blackwood, said they were in "complete shock". | Relatives of Matthew Williams, who was found attacking Cerys Marie Yemm, 22, at a halfway house for ex-offenders in Argoed, near Blackwood, said they were in "complete shock". |
They said they were "devastated by the death of an innocent young lady". | They said they were "devastated by the death of an innocent young lady". |
Gwent Police stunned Williams, 34, during the attack in the early hours of Thursday and later died. | |
"Our thoughts and prayers at this time are with the victim, her family and friends," the family said. | |
"Words cannot express our grief." | "Words cannot express our grief." |
On Thursday, officers found Williams, who had only recently been released from prison, attacking Ms Yemm in the Sirhowy Arms Hotel. | |
'Speculative comments unhelpful' | 'Speculative comments unhelpful' |
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating his death. | |
Gwent Police confirmed a lone female officer initially responded to the attack. | |
Ch Insp Paul Staniforth told reporters on Friday Ms Yemm's family is being supported by officers. | |
He also said the female officers and others who later attended were being supported by the force's occupational health department. | |
"The post mortem for Cerys will start today, although may not be complete for some time," he added. | "The post mortem for Cerys will start today, although may not be complete for some time," he added. |
"Speculative comments about what happened and cause of death are unhelpful." | "Speculative comments about what happened and cause of death are unhelpful." |
Police said Williams, who lived at the halfway house, and Ms Yemm knew each other and they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder. | |
Gareth Griffiths, from Argoed, said: "It's not a massive village, everyone wants to know what's happened. Everyone who doesn't want the place to be there thinks it's ammunition to use against the council to get it moved or shifted... it must be a horrific way to die, it's horrible, it's unbearable." | |
'Grotesque' | 'Grotesque' |
IPCC Commissioner for Wales Jan Williams said: "I would like to express my sincere condolences to the families of the deceased at this sad and difficult time. | |
"Our investigators are gathering all relevant evidence to understand the full circumstances of what happened." | "Our investigators are gathering all relevant evidence to understand the full circumstances of what happened." |
BBC Wales reporter Stephen Fairclough in Argoed | BBC Wales reporter Stephen Fairclough in Argoed |
People living in the small village of Argoed just north of the town of Blackwood have reacted to the disturbing events at the hotel with shock and disbelief. | People living in the small village of Argoed just north of the town of Blackwood have reacted to the disturbing events at the hotel with shock and disbelief. |
The three-storey building where Williams is believed to have murdered the young woman sits in the middle of the village and the centre was a hive of police activity on Thursday as the investigation got under way. | The three-storey building where Williams is believed to have murdered the young woman sits in the middle of the village and the centre was a hive of police activity on Thursday as the investigation got under way. |
One resident said the murder "is hard to believe in a small, quiet community village like this". | One resident said the murder "is hard to believe in a small, quiet community village like this". |
Another described the police scenes as "chaotic" with emergency services vehicles "everywhere". | Another described the police scenes as "chaotic" with emergency services vehicles "everywhere". |
Leon Gardiner, a councillor who has lived in the village for more than 80 years, said the killing has "hit the village for six". | Leon Gardiner, a councillor who has lived in the village for more than 80 years, said the killing has "hit the village for six". |
Argoed councillor Garry Lewis described the nature of the killing as "grotesque". | Argoed councillor Garry Lewis described the nature of the killing as "grotesque". |
Baptist chapel secretary June Trace said the Sirhowy Arms was converted into accommodation for vulnerable people several years ago. | |
She said it had a "fluctuating population" with people aged in their 30s or 40s. | |
Despite some concerns she said there had never been any trouble there. | |
However, others have said the police have been called on occasions. |