DETECTIVES are investigating after a man's body was discovered on a bridle path in Newport yesterday.

The body was found by a man walking his dog near the telecommunications masts off Allt-yr-yn-View, Ridgeway.

Officers were called to the scene around 5.40pm.

The man is believed to be from the Newport area and around 35 years old.

Sergeant Martyn Smith, from Newport police, said: "We are investigating the discovery of a body and the investigation at the moment is into an unexplained death."

The surrounding area was cordoned off as scenes-of- crime officers investigated.

The area remained sealed off for the rest of the evening.

One local resident said the area was a place where many people walked dogs.

She said: "It is all quite frightening."

Another local resident, who said he walked along Allt-yr-yn View every evening, said it was the first major incident he could recall in the area. He said: "I was more than surprised to see all this action, there is generally not a lot of trouble."

Inspector Gary Beak said this morning that the coroner would be informed after formal identification was carried out.

He said officers from Newport CID were continuing the investigation to determine the exact cause of death. He appealed for people with information to contact Newport CID on 01633 244999.