Couple murder probe cat drowned

A dead cat found in the same flat as a Chinese couple who were stabbed to death was drowned and probably killed by the pair's murderers, police said.

Xi Zhou and Zhen Xing Yang, both 25, died after a "frenzied" knife attack in a flat in Croydon Road, in Newcastle's West End, on Saturday.

The remains of the cat were found hidden under a sink in the flat.

Police have also identified Mr Zhen's last known phone conversation and are trying to trace the person he spoke to.

Det Supt Steve Wade, who is leading the investigation, said: "Following forensic tests and a post-mortem on the cat it is believed that the animal was drowned recently, probably in the washing up bowl in which it was found.

"Given the recent nature of the cat's death and where it was found, it is reasonable to assume that those responsible for the two murders, also killed the cat."

Officers now know that Mr Yang made a call from his mobile phone at 0042 BST on 7 August.

Mr Wade added: "We are currently checking mobile phone records in order to tie down times of death and it would be of assistance to us if those people who spoke to them could contact us.

"We have recovered a number of mobile phones at 8 Croydon Road, but would like to know if there are any more mobile telephone numbers which people have for the couple."

The bodies were found in separate bedrooms at the downstairs flat by friends on the afternoon on 9 August.

Police said Mr Zhen was "assaulted for more than an hour" before being stabbed. They believe passers-by may have heard his screams.

A post-mortem examination revealed he suffered extensive bruising to his arms before he died.

Examinations also showed Miss Xi may have been asphyxiated as well as stabbed during the attack.

An offender profiler has been brought in to help establish a motive for the killings.

Police have also released CCTV images taken as Miss Xi travelled home from work at the Wagamama restaurant in Newcastle last Thursday afternoon.

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