Reward for Chinese graduates' killer
- 00:01:27
- ITN
Reward for Chinese graduates' killer
Detectives investigating the murder of two Chinese graduates have offered a £5,000 reward for information. Xi Zhou and her boyfriend Zhen Xing Yang, both 25, were found hacked to death in their ground-floor flat in Newcastle upon Tyne 13 days ago. Detective Superintendent Steve Wade, who is leading the inquiry, said police remain desperate for information about the couple's last days. He made a direct appeal to Britain's Chinese community at Charing Cross Road police station in central London, accompanied by a Mandarin and Cantonese translator. Mr Wade said: "I am today able to announce that a £5,000 reward is being offered for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible." Police said forensic experts have almost completed their examination of the murder scene at 8 Croydon Road in the city's West End. They have recovered hundreds of DNA, fingerprint and fibre samples, footprints and CCTV footage from the area. Police found the couple's mobile phones inside the flat and are examining them to narrow down the timing of the killings and look for fresh leads. Detective are continuing to hunt for a man who rented a room from the couple at the beginning of August. Police said the couple were involved in an internet football betting scam which took advantage of a time delay in the transmission of English football matches to China. Mr Wade said anyone with information about the couple or their illegal activities can contact police anonymously and should not fear prosecution. The bodies of Mr Yang, known as Kevin, and Miss Zhou, known as Ci Ci, were found on Saturday, August 9. Police believed they were attacked some time after 4pm on Thursday, August 7, when Miss Zhou returned home from work. Investigators believe the killer, or killers, left the gruesome crime scene covered in blood or with a bag containing their clothes and weapons. Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria police on 08456 043 043.
ITN | August 22, 2008
