Police are continuing to investigate the murder of a 22-year-old in Sirhowy Arms Hotel in Argoed, Blackwood, a bed and breakfast for the homeless. The young woman was murdered by 34-year-old Matthew Williams in an act of cannibalism.

The police shot and arrested him at the scene on Thursday morning but he died later. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is looking into his death.

“I would like to express my sincere condolences to the families of the deceased at this sad and difficult time,” said IPCC Commissioner for Wales Jan Williams. “Our investigators are gathering all relevant evidence to understand the full circumstances of what happened.”

The people in the small village of Argoed reacted with disbelief. The deceased murderer was in a relationship with the woman that he had killed.