Pistorius family 'extremely thankful' Oscar is home

The uncle of Oscar Pistorius, Arnold Pistorius, has spoken of the family's relief after the athlete was granted bail by a South African court on Friday afternoon.

Arnold said: "This constitutes a moment of relief under these otherwise very grave circumstances. We are extremely thankful that Oscar is now home.”

The Paralympic star is accused of murdering his girlfriend - Reeva Steenkamp - in the early hours of Valentines Day. He denies the charge, saying he shot her after mistaking her for an intruder. Yesterday a Pretoria magistrate granted Oscar bail.

Speaking of the family's reaction to the case, Arnold said:

As a family it drew us closer together, supporting and encouraging each other, praying for Oscar – whom we love and who remains our son, brother and nephew. We have all been deeply affected by what transpired. We are acutely aware of the fact that this is only the beginning of a long road to prove that, as we know, Oscar never intended to harm Reeva, let alone cause her death.

Reeva's father: Pistorius must live with his conscience

In a statement released on behalf of the Pistorius family, Arnold also said Oscar will never be the same, having lost his love, and at the same time having to live with the knowledge that he caused the death of the woman he loved, and that he can never undo the immense pain and loss this has caused Reeva’s family and friends, nothing can ever bring her back.

“We realise that the law must run its course, and we would not have it any other way," he said.