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Italian police question three suspects over British student's murder (Roundup)

By Rich Bowden, M&C Staff Writer Nov 7, 2007, 14:05 GMT

A picture taken on Monday night November, 5 2007 shows a tribute from Meredith Kercher\'s friends in Perugia who held held a candlelight vigil on the steps of the town\'s cathedral.The English girl was brutally murdered at her apartment late last week. EPA/PIETRO CROCCHIONI

(M&C) - Italian police are continuing to question three suspects over the alleged murder of British girl Meredith Kercher in her apartment in the central Italian city of Perugia.

The 21-year-old's body was found semi-naked beneath a duvet with her throat slashed by what authorities believe was a knife after a vicious weekend attack.

The student's 20-year-old female roommate, Kercher's Italian boyfriend, 24, and a 37-year-old Congolese man who runs a nearby shop in the city are currently being questioned over the attack.

Though no charges have been laid, Italian police chief Arturo De Felice told a press conference, "The motive appears sexual, but Meredith was morally innocent. She was the victim, not a participant."

"Meredith was studying at university and there was a university atmosphere, free and open. Lots of people came and went through her house and she was unfortunately at the crossroads when this group came together."

There has been media speculation that Ms Kercher was killed after refusing to engage in violent group sex.

Ms Kercher was in her third year at Leeds University and had taken a year off to study in Italy.

Update: Italian police have said Ms Kercher's flatmate Amanda Knox has partially confessed to being present at the British student's murder saying she covered her ears to block out screaming from Ms Kercher's room.

Police are continuing their investigation.