DETECTIVES are probing the death of a Newport man after a house party, it was revealed today.

Richard Peter Arnold, 32, was found dead at his flat on the Old Barn Estate, St Julians, at 12.30pm on Saturday.

Police say they were called in by the ambulance service who were already on the scene.

Last night and today five local youngsters aged between 14 and 18 were arrested in connection with the incident.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said an inquiry was launched following a post-mortem examination on Mr Arnold. His death is being treated as suspicious.

She said: "Five local youths aged 14 to 18 were arrested in connection with the incident and are currently being questioned by police."

A large Gwent Police Scientific Investigation Unit vehicle was today outside the flat, in a block of six, along with two Gwent Police vans as inquiries continued.

Scenes-of-crime officers dressed in white body suits were inside the property.

It is understood that Mr Arnold's family is being comforted by police family liaison officers.

Local people told the Argus there had been a party in the flat before the body was found.

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "The people in the flats all keep themselves to themselves.

"My daughter knows some of the kids who were at the party from school. Everyone has been talking about it."

Owen Jones, another neighbour, said: "This place has been rife with rumours. Down the Centurion (local pub) we have heard that there was a party in the early evening."