18/09/2008

Birmingham Apartment Murder Victims Named

The bodies of two women found dead in an upmarket Birmingham apartment have been formally identified.

The two Algerian-born sisters Yasmine Larbi-Cherif, 22, and Sabrina Larbi-Cherif, 19, who had studied and worked in the UK, were found dead on Monday evening at Jupiter Apartments near Birmingham City Centre.

Detectives revealed the sisters had been the victims of a "sustained and violent" attack.

Detectives said Yasmine was studying bio-chemistry at Birmingham University, while Sabrina was due to start the same university to study French.

A statement released by the girl's family said they "were and will always be dearly loved and very respected by everyone who knew them".

It added: "The family have been devastated by their deaths of their 'angels'."

The post mortem examination results into their deaths are due to be released later.

Kent Police arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with the murders. He was detained whilst trying to board a ferry in Dover, and is still being held in custody.

See: Arrest Follows Double Body Find

(JM)

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