Local reports say a bloody cricket bat was found in Oscar Pistorius' home, where his model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp was killed on Thursday.

South Africa' City Press says police are working on three theories about the bat: that Pistorius beat her with it; that she defended herself with it; and that he used it to break down the door to the bathroom.

The paper quotes source with inside knowledge of the case, saying that the model's skull was crushed, and that: "There was lots of blood on the bat. Forensic tests will show whose blood it was.”

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All three sources agree the prosecution has a "rock solid" case.

Meanwhile, the Sunday People reports that the athlete's best friend claimed the Olympic and Paralympic hero called him minutes after the shooting telling him "there has been a terrible accident."

There are also reports that police specifically requested Pistorius’ blood be tested for drugs and steroids, exploring the possibility that he may have experienced “roid rage” – extreme aggression occasioned by large doses of steroids.

Neighbours and security guards rushed to Mr Pistorius' home on a heavily guarded security estate on the outskirts of South Africa's capital, Pretoria, after hearing gunfire.

Beeld newspaper reports the gold medalist was found running down the stairs carrying the model in his arms, and that she was still breathing when they arrived at the scene, but was pronounced dead by paramedics who arrived shortly afterwards.

She is reported to have been shot four times in the head and hand with a gun allegedly registered to Mr Pistorius.

Pistorius is being held at a police station in Pretoria, accused of Steenkamp's murder, which he denies. He will apply for bail on Tuesday.

On the same day, a memorial service will be held for the 29-year-old Steenkamp in Port Elizabeth.

On Friday, the national hero’s agent released a statement in which they disputed the murder “in the strongest terms”.

Justin Divaris said: "It's all very sad. Oscar called me at 3.55am saying that Reeva had been shot."

He added: "It was very traumatic. By the time we got there it was already a crime scene and we weren't allowed in the house."