Murdered 'angels' family tribute

The women's bodies were found on Monday evening (photo: Caters)

The family of two sisters found stabbed to death in an apartment in Birmingham say they have been devastated by the "deaths of their angels".

Yasmine Larbi-Cherif, 22, and her 19-year-old sister Sabrina were found dead in their Ladywood flat on Monday.

Police have been granted extra time to hold a 28-year-old man who was arrested in Kent on suspicion of murder.

The Algerian-born sisters, who moved to England with their parents 10 years ago, were identified by police earlier.

Yasmine was a bio-chemistry student at Birmingham University and Sabrina was due to start there.

Forensic tests revealed the pair, found at Jupiter Apartments, near the city centre, died of stab wounds in a "sustained and violent attack", police said.

Detectives have until 2300 BST on Friday to question the suspect, who was detained on Tuesday morning as he tried to board a ferry.

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Police search flats in Birmingham

A statement from the women's family described them as "dearly loved and very respected by everyone who knew them".

It said: "With amazing skills and tremendous determination Yasmine and Sabrina excelled at everything they were involved with socially and educationally.

"Due to their Islamic faith and open-minded upbringing, they were always humble, compassionate, generous and helpful to anyone who knew them."

The family, who live in South Kenton, Wembley, London, said they were "extremely proud of the way in which the girls lived their lives".

Earlier this week police said that one or more weapons were used in the attack and there was "a substantial amount of blood inside many of the rooms".

There were also "signs of ransacking" in the fourth floor apartment in Ryland Street, in Ladywood.

'Kind and enthusiastic'

A man who answered the door at a flat at Yasmine's old address in Moseley, Birmingham, said police had called at the property earlier this year saying they were investigating an assault against her.

The man, who asked not to be named, said officers told him Yasmine had made a complaint to police that she had been attacked by a former boyfriend.

The 22-year-old had been a keen dancer and led classes in belly dancing in Birmingham.

Fellow dance teacher Maria Credali, of Lichfield, Staffordshire, said: "Yasmine was very kind, vibrant and very enthusiastic.

"She was really into the idea of sharing her culture with other ladies. She wanted to celebrate her background."

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West Midlands police have 80 detectives working on the case