Rhondda: Murder investigation into Wenjing Xu's death

A murder investigation has now been launched, with police naming a 16-year-old who died in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

South Wales Police closed off Baglan Street, Treorchy, at about midday on Friday, with the girl reported to have died and two men injured.

Officers have now named the victim as Wenjing Xu, with her death being treated as murder, and men aged 38 and 31 in custody.

In a tribute, her family said she had "a very gentle soul".

Describing her as "a very quiet person", it continued: "Wenjing helped the whole family, working in the family takeaway.

"She enjoyed school and worked very hard. She was loved by her family."

A police cordon was erected around a takeaway restaurant called Blue Sky on Friday, with a small white tent placed outside the premises.

Senior investigating Officer, Det Ch Insp Mark Lewis, said: "This is a tragic and shocking incident - our thoughts are with Wenjing's family and friends at this extremely difficult time.

"I can reassure the community that at this time we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident."

A 31-year-old man, known to the victim, was arrested on suspicion of murder, and a 38-year-old man is also in police custody in connection with the incident.

Both are being treated in hospital as a result of injuries sustained during the incident.

The public had been urged by police to "refrain from speculation" about the incident. Local MP Chris Bryant tweeted he was aware of "disturbing events".

The girl's family is being supported by specially trained officers and efforts are being made to contact other relatives.

Resident Sarah Belgrove, 54, who lives a few doors from the scene, said the air ambulance was forced to land some way from Baglan Street.

"The paramedics who got out of the helicopter flagged down some cars to give them a lift to the scene," she said.

The Welsh Ambulance Service said it was called to an "incident at an address in the Ynyswen area of of Treorchy" at 12:00 GMT.

"We attended the scene with one rapid response vehicle, three emergency ambulances, our hazardous area response team and the Wales Air Ambulance," said a spokesperson.

Supt Rich Jones, from South Wales Police, said there would be a "significant police presence in Baglan Street over the weekend" as investigations continued.

Rhondda MP Mr Bryant said lots of people knew the girl and her family and would be "absolutely devastated".

"You don't think of these kind of events happening in the Rhondda," he told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.