Oscar Pistorius Holds Private Memorial For Girlfriend Reeva

Oscar Pistorius has held a private memorial service for his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp at his uncle's house in Pretoria.

The South African athlete has been staying at his uncle Arnold's house since he was released on bail last Friday after being charged with the model's murder.

His aides confirmed plans for a memorial service for the 29-year-old, who was shot dead while staying at Pistorius' luxury home, after details were leaked to the media.

The Paralympian, 26, who also competed in the Olympics last summer, denies murder and claims he shot Miss Steenkamp by mistake believing she was an intruder.

A statement from his representatives said: "Oscar Pistorius, will hold a private memorial service for Reeva Steenkamp at the house of his uncle, Arnold Pistorius tonight.

"Oscar specifically requested the memorial service as he continues to grieve and remains in deep mourning for the loss of his partner Reeva."

It added: "Since it is such a sensitive issue, Oscar has asked for a private service with people who share his loss, including his family members who knew and loved Reeva as one of their own.

"The Pistorius family would like to make a personal request to the media, to please respect their privacy at their home in Pretoria tonight."

Sky's Alex Crawford spoke to friends and housemates of Miss Steenkamp who said she texted them the night she died saying it was too late to drive home and would be staying over at Pistorius' house.

Commenting on the relationship, Gina Myers said: "It was like any other relationship. There was nothing that flashed a warning sign.

"She was happy. She was very happy. Reeva was not the kind of person to complain about stuff but she would never have been with anyone if she wasn't happy ... Her motto this year was 'to be happy and never settle'."

Ms Steenkamp's funeral was held in Port Elizabeth last week, as her boyfriend appeared in court over her murder and insisted her death was an accident.

He was released on bail but has to abide by strict conditions, including reporting to a police station in Pretoria twice a week.

The athlete was also ordered to surrender his two passports, post bail of one million rand (£75,000) in cash and guarantees, and refrain from drinking alcohol until his case resumes on June 4.

Pistorius was also ordered to hand in any guns he owns and keep away from his home in a gated community in Pretoria, which is now a crime scene.

Prison service officials can drop in at his uncle's house at any time of day or night to ensure the athlete is complying with the bail terms.

Pistorius, who had his lower legs amputated at the age of 11 months after he was born without either fibula, rose to global fame with his fight to be allowed to run in the Olympics against able-bodied athletes.

He reached the semi-finals of the 400 metres at last year's London Games.