Oscar Pistorius charged with murder after girlfriend shot dead

Oscar Pistorius is being questioned by police over the shooting of model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp

Oscar Pistorius, one of the world’s most famous athletes, has been charged with murder after his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, was shot dead.

It was reported in local media that the Paralympic and Olympic runner allegedly mistook Reeva for an intruder and shot her, but police spokeswoman Denise Beukes said those reports had not come from the police.

'The SA Police Service were just as surprised this morning to hear on the radio that allegations had been made that the deceased had been perceived to be a burglar.'

She added that there had been reports from neighbours of shouting and screaming coming from the house earlier in the evening and that police had been called to the house on previous occasions after reports of 'a domestic nature'.

A body was discovered at Oscar’s home in Silverwoods country estate in his native South Africa in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Paramedics were called but Reeva was pronounced dead at the scene after receiving four shots to her head and arm.

Police confirm the athlete will appear in court later today.

Police spokesman Katlego Mogale said: ‘The deceased was shot four times and died on the scene. It is believed that she was the girlfriend of the accused. We found a 9mm pistol at the scene, a 26-year-old man was taken into custody.’

Reeva Steenkamp's publicist Sarit Tomlinson told Sky News that she was a 'talented bright young girl.'

'She was the sweetest human being and an absolute angel on Earth,' she said. 'She was the kindest most unbelievable girl.' She added that the model and Pistorius had been together for a couple of months in 'a healthy fabulous relationship'.

Oscar Pistorius became the first double leg amputee to compete in the Olympics, he won two gold and one silver medal at the 2012 Paralympics and set a new record in the T44 class 400 meter final and in the T42-T46 4x100 metre relay.

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