Pistorius charged with murder of girlfriend

Paralympic gold medallist Oscar Pistorius has been charged with murder following the death of his girlfriend this morning.

Pistorius was due to appear in a Pretoria court at 2pm local time (noon Irish time). Police have said that they will oppose a bail application.

Pistorius, 26, is alleged to have killed his 30-year-old girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, who died of gunshot wounds at an address in the city.

Police spokeswoman Brigadier Denise Beukes said at a press conference: “A 26-year-old man has been arrested and has been charged with murder.

“At this stage he is on his way to the district surgeon for a medical examination and he will be appearing at Pretoria magistrates’ courts at 2pm this afternoon.”