The 22-year-old victim of an alleged cannibal murder has been named by police as Cerys Marie Yemm from Blackwood.
Gwent Police were called to an incident at the Sirhowy Arms Hotel in High Street, Argoed, at 1.23am on Thursday November 6 after reports that a man was attacking a woman.
Both were at the scene when police arrived and officers fired a Taser at the man, named in media reports as Matthew Williams, 34, and arrested him.
While under arrest Williams became unresponsive and officers and paramedics administered first aid. He died at the scene.
Miss Yemm was also later pronounced dead at the scene and police are now investigating her death as murder.
It has been reported by several media outlets that Williams was found “eating” his victim – although police have not confirmed this.
It has emerged Williams had only recently been released from prison and that he was in a relationship with his victim.
The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), which has launched its own investigation.
Gwent Police said the murder investigation was continuing today with officers and Crime Scene Investigators at the Sirhowy Arms – which is used by the authorities as a homeless hostel.
Police have confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
A spokesperson said: “We are cooperating fully with the IPCC, which is independently investigating the death of the man.
“At this time our thoughts are with the families of the deceased following this extremely tragic incident.
“Our officers who attended the incident yesterday are being fully supported by our Force Occupational Health Department.
“We would ask media and members of the public to be respectful and show sensitivity towards the families of the deceased at this very difficult and upsetting time.
“The post mortem for Cerys will start today, although may not be complete for some time. Speculative comments about what happened and cause of death are unhelpful.
“There is an increased police presence in the Argoed area at this time to reassure local residents. If anyone has concerns we would encourage them to speak to local officers.”
Ok, the question is what was she doing with a guy like that in a place like that?
No, the question is why was a dangerous person suffering from a severe disorder released from prison with no proper supervision? It doesn’t matter why she was there with him. He attacked her, resulting in her death. They could have been anywhere – the park, having a cuppa in a cafe…what difference does it make where she was with him? My sympathies are with the families involved.
My thoughts go out to her family at this awful time. RIP Cerys!