Police probe 'scam link' of murdered Chinese

London: A Chinese couple brutally murdered in northern England may have been targeted over their links to a bogus visa business and an internet betting scam, detectives said on Friday.

Officers investigating the slayings said that Zhen Xing Yang and his girlfriend Xi Zhou, both 25, were involved in frauds which had left victims angry and upset.

The couple were discovered dead at their flat in Newcastle, 450km north of London August 9.

Police said they had suffered horrific injuries and believe that Yang may have been tortured before his death. The couple's cat was found drowned at the scene.

Investigators said on Friday they believe the victims were involved in trading bogus visas and professional qualifications.

Northumberland Police department said officers were running tests on a computer and three cell phones seized from the couple's home. "A possible motive for the killing is beginning to emerge concerning the lifestyle of Xi Zhou and Zhen Xing Yang," said Depty Supt Steve Wade.