A man whose death is at the centre of a murder investigation after he was found face down on a Pontypool road died of “blunt trauma to the head,” an inquest heard.

His death is subject to further investigations by the police, the opening to John Reeder’s inquest in Newport heard today ( Friday).

John Reeder was cycling towards Pontypool from Pontnewynydd along the A4043 near George Street at 6am on August 7.

The 63-year-old was rushed to Newport’s Royal Gwent Hospital in a critical condition with serious head injuries.

He never recovered and died of his injuries at 5.30pm that same day.

Three men, aged 18, 19 and 23 and a 19-year-old woman all from the Pontypool area were arrested on suspicion of murder on August 8.

They have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Mr Reeder was a popular figure in the area, having moved to Pontypool from Yorkshire.

At the time of his death he was living in a Bron Afon housing home Tan-Y-Coed, and was well know in the Pegasus pub in Pontnewynydd.

He trained and cared for horses, and locals said he regularly travelled across the region to offer his help.

Gwent coroner, David Bowen, said he would release the body to Mr Reeder’s family so a funeral could take place but adjourned the inquest for three months to allow Gwent police to continue to probe what happened to Mr Reeder.

Gwent Police are still appealing for anyone with any information to come forward, particularly anyone who may have been near the entrance to the Pontenewynydd Industrial Estate between 6am and 6.10am on August 7.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800555111.