A young Sicilian couple have been named by Italian media as the victims of a shocking murder in a block of flats while staying in the UK.
Nino Calabro, 25, was working in a casino in Stockton-on-Tees, slot thailand County Durham and Francesco Di Dio, 21, his girlfriend, was visiting him.
A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the bodies were found on Wednesday afternoon at flats in Thornaby, Teesside.
Cleveland Police say they are unable to confirm the identities of the two individuals, though tributes have been flooding in from shocked family and friends of the couple.
Nino Calabro (right), 25, and Francesco Di Dio (left), 21, have been named by Italian media as the two murder victims in Thornaby, Teesside, after two bodies were discovered there on Wednesday
Police at the former Royal George Pub, now flats and offices, on Thornaby Road, Thornaby after two bodies were discovered
Francesco had been visiting her boyfriend Nino from Italy, according to one local man who knew them
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 A stunned local man from Stockton said: 'Nino had been living in Stockton and was working at the Grosvenor Casino in Stockton.
'He was a lovely guy and was really popular with punters, there is a real feeling of shock that something like this has happened to him, no one can imagine why.
'Francesca is a student and was over visiting Nino, it's really horrifying that two gorgeous young people have lost their lives like this.'
It has been reported that Nino and Francesca were found by police after their families in Italy raised the alarm.
The couple had not answered their phones in two days and family had become worried for their welfare.
A manager at Stockton's Grosvenor Casino said: 'We are aware of the incident and are helping the authorities with their enquiries but it's an ongoing investigation and it would be wrong to comment at this time.' 
Scene of crime officers are still carrying out a search of the flat whilst a police cordon remains in place at the flats on the site of the former Royal George pub in Thornaby Road, Thornaby, where the bodies were found at 2.10pm on Wednesday.
Italy's La Stampa newspaper reports that Nino's parents have left Italy for London and will travel up to Thornaby.
Nino had been living and working on Teesside since December 2019 when he started work as a croupier at the casino
A manager at Stockton's Grosvenor Casino said: 'We are aware of the incident and are helping the authorities with their enquiries'
Nino had been living and working on Teesside since December 2019 when he started work as a croupier at the casino.

He was recently named as 'croupier of the year' pals said.
Tributes to Nino have been posted on Facebook including one from colleague Bobbie Caitlin Davidson, who said: 'can't quite believe it… Nino Calabrò rest in peace man..
can't believe I was only talking to you on Sunday, gonna miss you loads - you were such a laugh to work with xx'
Laura Dunlop also posted a tribute which said: 'Such sad news to wake up to this morning. R.I.P Nino Calabrò will always remember you for your amazing customer service and such a big personality.

You will be missed by so many and the casino won't be the same without you.'
A school friend of Francesca's paid tribute on social media, Mada Zaharia said: 'I can't believe this. She was my classmate and school mate and she was such a good girl R.I.P beautiful angel.
Together with your love.'
Francesca (pictured) was a student who had travelled to Teesside to visit her boyfriend Nino
According to Italian media Francesca is originally from Montagnareale, on Sicily, while Nino originally hails from nearby Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto.
The pair were engaged in 2019 and posted on social media of their excitement that Francesca would be visiting over the Christmas period.
The last picture of the two was on December 7, in Stockton's Thomas Sheraton pub.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Peter Carr, said: 'A man and woman have sadly died and a man remains in police custody in connection with the incident.
'I would like to appeal to anyone who may have been passing the flats on Thornaby Road, which were formerly known as The Royal George Pub, between 10am and 11am on Wednesday 21st December.

If anyone was passing and saw anyone acting suspiciously or any suspicious activity, please contact us.'
A neighbour, whose home overlooks the block of flats, said: 'I didn't know anything had happened until all the police vehicles arrived.
To be honest, we don't know anybody who lives there.'