The family of a man who murdered a young woman in an act of suspected cannibalism has spoken of their “complete shock” at the killing.
Cerys Marie Yemm, 22, was named as the victim of the brutal attack. She died from her injuries at Sirhowy Arms Hotel, a homeless hostel in Argoed, Blackwood, South Wales, on Thursday.
Her killer, hotel resident Matthew Williams, had only been released from prison hours earlier and the pair are understood to have met through mutual friends.
The 34-year-old was Tasered by police and arrested. He became unresponsive and died later.
His family told the BBC they were “devastated by the death of an innocent young lady”.
They said: “Our thoughts and prayers at this time are with the victim, her family and friends. Words cannot express our grief.”
As well as the murder investigation, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) watchdog has launched its own probe following Williams’ death.
Officers are treating Ms Yemm’s death as murder and are not looking for anyone else. Police have refused to comment on the specifics of the incident, but sources confirmed the victim suffered substantial facial injuries.
A spokesman said: “The murder investigation is continuing today, officers and crime scene investigators remain at the scene. We are co-operating fully with the IPCC, which is independently investigating the death of the man.”
A post-mortem on Ms Yemm was due to start yesterday and is expected to take some time.
Chief Inspector Paul Staniforth said: “Speculation about what happened at the scene and the cause of death is unhelpful and very upsetting for the family of the deceased.”
Ms Yemm, who worked as a sales assistant at Next, was described as a fun-loving woman. She had been at a Halloween party with friends only days before the attack.
Friends expressed their shock at the news. Gareth Griffiths, who lives in Argoed, said: “We heard on the news that it has been cannibalism. It must be a horrific way to die, it’s horrible, it’s unbearable.”
Another friend, who did not want to be named, added: “I feel stunned, shocked and sick to my stomach. It’s horrific. She was a lovely person. She didn’t deserve to die like that.”
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