Paralympian Oscar Pistorius arrested after shoots Girlfriend Dead

Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius has been arrested after the fatal shooting of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp after mistaking her for an intruder.

Her body was discovered at the athlete’s home in the Silver Woods country estate in eastern Pretoria, South Africa.

The Olympic stars girlfriend was allegedly shot as she woke him, trying to surprise him on Valentine’s Day.

Pistorius was arrested on Thursday morning following the shooting and is expected to appear at Pretoria Magistrate’s Court later on a murder charge.

The 26-year-old is alleged to have shot his 30-year-old model girlfriend from Port Elizabeth in the head and upper body.

Paramedics were called to his home between 4am and 5am local time by a third person at the house.

Police arrived shortly afterwards and a 9mm pistol was recovered from the scene. They have launched a murder investigation.

“The deceased was shot four times and died on the scene. It is believed that she was the girlfriend of the accused,” said police spokesman Katlego Mogale.

Miss Steenkamp’s body was removed by a hearse at around 8am.

Pistorius known as the “Blade Runner” is regarded as a sporting hero by many and in the summer of 2012 made history after being the first double amputee to compete in the Olympics.

Pistorius and Miss Steenkamp are believed to have been seeing each other since November.

South African journalist Kalay Maistry told Sky News: “It is alleged that he thought his girlfriend, who’d come in to try to surprise him for Valentines Day, was an intruder. It’s alleged that he shot her at least twice in the arm and head.

“I think what this actually highlights is the level of fear ordinary South Africans have.

“This has come as a complete surprise for a man who’s considered a national hero,” she added.

Miss Steenkamp, a top South African model and law graduate, was active on Twitter just 14 hours ago.

She said: “What do you have up your sleeve for your love tomorrow??? #getexcited #ValentinesDay”

In response to someone else’s plans, she said: “That sounds amazing! Wow that’s what it’s all about! It should be a day of love for everyone 🙂 may it be blessed!”

Her publicist Sarit Tomlinson said the family was “shocked” and “devastated” by the news.

She described Miss Steenkamp as “the sweetest human being” and “a talented and bright young girl”, adding that the couple had a “healthy, fabulous relationship”.

Photos of the model appeared in newspapers at the weekend, when she described Pistorius as an impeccable man who always had her best interests at heart.

Reporting from South Africa, Sky’s Emma Hurd, said: “It does appear that this was a tragedy – a Valentine’s Day surprise which went horrifically wrong.”

Pistorius London based  agent, Kate Silvers, said she would not be commenting at this stage, but will be issuing a statement later.

According to Pistorius’ lawyer, Oscar is “doing fine, but he’s very emotional,”

Police said in a statement: “we can’t comment on his emotional well-being, but he is traumatised after losing someone close to him.”