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Sixth arrest made after woman shot dead

Matt Lloyd
BBC News
Facebook Selfie of Joanne Penney who has blonde shoulder-length hair tied back at the top and wearing a cream cardiganFacebook
Joanne Penney died on Sunday evening

A sixth person has been arrested after a woman was shot dead at a block of flats in south Wales.

South Wales Police said a 20-year-old man from St Mellons, Cardiff, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Wednesday and remains in police custody.

It follows the fatal shooting of Joanne Penney, 40, at Green Park in Talbot Green, Rhondda Cynon Taf, on Sunday evening.

A 42-year-old man from Talbot Green who was arrested on Sunday has been released without charge but has been bailed for further inquiries following an allegation of assault.

On Wednesday magistrates granted a warrant of further detention in relation to four other people arrested on suspicion of murder in Leicestershire.

A 21-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man from Oadby, Leicestershire, a 68-year-old man from Braunstone Town, Leicestershire, and a 39-year-old woman from Leicester remain in custody.

On Tuesday, police confirmed they were exploring several lines of enquiry, including the possibility that Ms Penney was the victim of mistaken identity.

Det Ch Supt Ceri Hughes said detectives were making "significant progress" with their inquiries.

She added: "Whilst this additional arrest is a significant development, the investigation into Joanne's death is continuing and we have a team of experienced detectives and specialist staff working hard to establish the circumstances of this tragic incident."

A general view of low-rise flats with bin bags piled in front in one area and paved parking. Police tape can be seen tied to a fence in the left of the photo.
The shooting happened at the Llys Illtud block of flats in Talbot Green

Two vehicles travelled from the Leicester area to south Wales some time after 10:30 GMT on Sunday before leaving shortly after the incident, police have said.

Both vehicles, a distinctive beige Nissan Note with the registration BK61 ZDC and a black Volvo XC40 with registration plate FD24 PZF, were seized following Monday night's arrests.

Police are appealing for anyone with dashcam footage or CCTV from the area around Llys Illtyd or the nearby retail park from between 17:30 and 18:30 GMT on Sunday to come forward.

Det Ch Supt Hughes added: "I would urge anyone who has information to do the right thing and come forward – the smallest piece of information could be of vital importance."