Oscar Pistorius charged with murder following shooting at home

Paralympian Oscar Pistorius has been arrested and charged with the murder of his girlfriend.

The shooting happened earlier this morning at the home of Pistorius in the city of Pretoria. Local police held a news conference this morning outside the compound to confirm that a 26-year-old has been charged with murder, no other persons are involved.

It had been initially reported that his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, had been shot four times after Pistorius thought she was an intruder. Police have since said that they don’t know where those rumours originated adding that police had been to the home previously after ‘incidents of domestic violence’ .

Reeva Steenkamp is a well known celebrity in South Africa, appearing in a number of commercials, magazines and beginning a career as a television presenter.  She had been preparing for Valentine’s Day, posting on her Twitter account “What do you have up your sleeve for your love tomorrow??? #getexcited.”

(Initial reports from eNCA, South Africa)

Oscar will appear at a court later today where police will oppose any bail which is expected to be put forward.

As one of the most high profile athletes in the world, Oscar dominated the London Paralympic games last year, picking up two gold medals and a silver. He also competed in the Olympic games becoming first double leg amputee to participate but failed to pick up any medals.