The family of a 16-year-old girl killed in rural south Wales have paid tribute to “a very gentle soul” as police launched a murder investigation.

South Wales Police named Wenjing Xu as the victim of an attack in the town of Treorchy, which also left two men in their 30s with injuries.

A 31-year-old man known to the victim has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and a man aged 38 is also in police custody in connection with the incident.

Both are being treated in hospital for injuries sustained during the incident.

Ynyswen incident
Wenjing Xu, the 16 year-old girl who died following an incident in the village of Ynyswen (South Wales Police)

Police were called to Baglan Street at around midday on Friday to reports of a stabbing, and a cordon was erected around a takeaway restaurant called the Blue Sky, with a small white tent outside the premises.

A family statement said: “Wenjing had a very gentle soul, she was a very quiet person. Wenjing helped the whole family, working in the family takeaway.

“She enjoyed school and worked very hard. She was loved by her family.”

South Wales Police launched a murder investigation on Saturday evening after the conclusion of a post-mortem.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Lewis said: “Following completion of the post mortem examination we are now able to confirm that we are treating Wenjing’s death as murder

“This is a tragic and shocking incident – our thoughts are with Wenjing’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.

“I can reassure the community that at this time we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.”

Chris Bryant, Labour MP for Rhondda, said news of the teenager’s death was “absolutely tragic”.

“My thoughts are with loved ones this evening. You just don’t think that something like this is going to happen in the Rhondda,” he said.