RELATIVES of a Newport man whose suspicious death is being investigated, yesterday paid tribute to the "loving" family man.

Thirty-two-year-old Richard Peter Arnold, known as Richie, was found dead in his flat on the Old Barn Estate, St Julian's, at 12.30pm last Saturday.

Five local teenagers aged 14 to 18 arrested in connection with the death were yesterday released on police bail yesterday.

Mr Arnold's family released a statement through the police paying tribute to him. They said: "The family is still coming to terms with the tragic death of Richard. He was a loving son, father, brother and uncle."

Police investigations are still going on and house-to-house inquiries continuing.

Police were called to Mr Arnold's flat by paramedics, who were already at the scene.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said an inquiry was launched into a suspicious death following a post-mortem examination.

She said: "Five local youths aged between 14 to 18 were arrested for questioning in connection with the incident and bailed pending further inquiries."

Neighbours on the estate said a group of boys were drinking at Mr Arnold's house last Friday evening.

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "After Richie passed out, they threw water over him to try and wake him, but went home when that did not work.

The next day one of the lads walked by and noticed the windows were still open and the lights were on.

"He told somebody else who lives in the flats and they called 999."

CID officer have visited shops and home aound the estate while a forensic team carried out a fingertip search of Mr Arnold's flat.

A school friend of Mr Arnold, who did not want to be named, said: "Richie and I both went to St Julian's High School. Back then he lived in Riverside.

"He was a normal lad, seemed sociable enough. We weren't good friends but he did have a group of close friends. He wasn't particularly interested in sport or his studies, but he wasn't always in trouble either."

Anyone with information should contact Gwent Police, in confidence, on 01633 83811 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.