Newcastle murder latest: Chinese students named

Aug 11 2008 The Journal

POLICE have released video footage of the two Chinese students bludgeoned to death in Newcastle at the weekend. Click here to watch the video.

Detectives said that while they have not been able to conclusively identify the victims, they believe the woman to be Xi Zhou, 25, and the man to be Zhen Xing Yang, 25. Both lived at 8 Croydon Road, in Fenham.

Xi Zhou was known to friends and colleagues as Ci Ci. She was employed at Wagamama’s Restaurant, Old Eldon Square, Newcastle as a waitress, having worked there for the past 18 months. 

She is described as a reliable, hard working member of staff who had a bubbly personality and was a joy to work with.

She was granted a visa to enter the UK on the 21/06/2005, which is valid until 31/12/2008.

Miss Zhou completed her MA Degree in Applied Linguistics at Newcastle University in September 2006.

The parents of Miss Zhou have been traced to the province of Hunan in South China, with the assistance of family relatives in the UK.

Family Liaison Officers using Interpreters have contacted her parents by telephone and delivered the sad news of her death.

Zhen Xing Yang was granted a visa to enter the UK on the 15/08/2003 which expires on the 30/11/2008.

Mr Yang completed his MA Degree in International Human Resources at Newcastle University in September 2006. Police said they have no current employment status for Mr Yang.

They added: “Despite strenuous efforts we have been unable at this stage to contact any next of kin for Mr Yang.”

The pair met at Newcastle University and were boyfriend/girlfriend.

Northumbria Police are liaising with the Chinese Consulate in Manchester and the Chinese Embassy in London to provide information and support to the families.

Detective Superintendent Steve Wade, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “Shortly after 4.30pm on Saturday 9th August 2008, officers from Northumbria Police were called to a ground floor flat at No. 8 Croydon Road, Newcastle.

“Officers had responded to a call from a former tenant and friend of the deceased, who was visiting the address together with two other friends.

“Unable to get an answer at the address the friend and former tenant gained entry via an insecure downstairs rear window, before unlocking the back door allowing all three inside.

“On entering the flat and searching the front bedroom they discovered the body of their female friend and contacted the police.

“Officers attended, searched the flat and discovered a female dead in the front bedroom and a male dead in the rear bedroom.  Both victims had suffered extensive head injuries, and in the case of the male victim had resulted in significant blood loss.

"For operational and investigative reasons I am unable at this stage to disclose any further information other than to say both victims have suffered a violent attack using a sharp edged instrument and knife.”

Northumbria Police also made the following appeal for information

Detective Superintendent Steve Wade, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “As disclosed we have no known motive for this savage and brutal attack.

“Both victims are graduates of Newcastle University and are highly regarded and respected by those whom we have been able to contact.  At this stage we do not have sufficient information to piece together the victims’ lifestyle or movements.”

He added: “I am therefore appealing to anyone who knew ZHEN YANG or XI ZHOU to contact Northumbria Police. Did anyone see or hear from ZHEN YANG or XI ZHOU in the week leading up to the discovery of their bodies on Saturday 9th August 2008.

“Is anyone aware of a reason or motive for this attack? Can anyone assist in tracing any people visiting, living or staying at 8 Croydon Road, within the last 12 months?

“Did anyone see or hear any screams or suspicious activity coming from 8 Croydon Road in the week leading up to the discovery of the bodies.
“Does anyone have any information whatsoever which could assist officers in finding those responsible for this senseless killing.

Page 2 >> Click for details released by police on the students' last known movements