Wenjing Xu, 16, named as police launch murder investigation after ‘knife attack’ in Welsh village of Treorchy

Wenjing Xu has been named as the victim of a reported knife attack in rural south Wales as police confirmed they were launching a murder investigation into the incident.

South Wales Police named the 16-year-old girl as the victim of the attack in the town of Treorchy, which also left two men in their 30s with injuries.

Her family paid tribute to “a very gentle soul” who enjoyed school and worked very hard.

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

Both are being treated in hospital for injuries sustained during the incident.

Police were called to Baglan Street at around midday on Friday to reports of a stabbing, and a cordon was erected around a takeaway restaurant called the Blue Sky, with a small white tent outside the premises.

South Wales Police launched a murder investigation on Saturday evening after the conclusion of a post-mortem.

Ms Xu’s family paid tribute in a statement which said: “Wenjing had a very gentle soul, she was a very quiet person. Wenjing helped the whole family, working in the family takeaway.

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

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Lewis added: “Following completion of the post mortem examination we are now able to confirm that we are treating Wenjing’s death as murder

“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.”

Chris Bryant, Labour MP for Rhondda, said news of the teenager’s death was “absolutely tragic”.

“My thoughts are with loved ones this evening. You just don’t think that something like this is going to happen in the Rhondda,” he said.

On Friday First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford tweeted that news of the incident was “deeply concerning”.

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