The uncle of Paralympian Oscar Pistorius says the evidence shows that runner did not knowingly shoot girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Arnold Pistorius says forensic evidence shows his nephew did not knowingly kill her and and the family is vehemently protesting his innocence.

“After consulting with legal representatives, we deeply regret the allegation of premeditated murder,” he said, reading an emotional statement at his home in Pretoria.

“We have no doubt there is no substance to the allegation and that the state’s own case, including its own forensic evidence, strongly refutes any possibility of a premeditated murder or indeed any murder at all.”

“As you can imagine our entire family is devastated, we are in a state of total shock – firstly about the tragic death of Reeva who we had all got to know well and care for deeply over the last few months,” he said.

“All of us saw at first hand how close she had become to Oscar during that time and how happy they were. They had plans together and Oscar was happier in his private life than he had been for a long time. We are all grieving for Reeva, her family and her friends.”

“Oscar, as you can imagine, is also numb with shock as well as grief. Obviously at the same time we, as a family, are also battling to come to terms with Oscar being charged with murder.”

Pistorius is in police custody facing a charge of premeditated murder.

South African media reports continue to claim that he told police the shooting was a “horrible accident” after he mistakenly believed Steenkamp to be an intruder.