A MURDER inquiry was launched last night following the death of a man in Risca.

Police called to a disturbance in Snowdon Close, Ty-Sign, at 9.40pm found the victim with a stab wound to the chest, said Inspector Mark Ryley.

A 42-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder and was being held in Newport.

The man, who was believed to be in his 50s, was later pronounced dead at the Royal Gwent Hospital, Newport.

Neighbours spoke of their shock at last night's events.

"It is very, very sad. They were a lovely couple who kept to themselves but were very friendly," said one neighbour who did not wish to be named. "I saw a woman looking very distressed and she had been crying."

Another resident said the couple had no children but a lot of cats and they took in strays.

One neighbour told the Argus: "It is not what you expect living in a quiet area like this.

"We are very shocked. We saw the police and ambulance last night and couldn't believe it." Another neighbour, who also did not want to be named, said: "We never expected this. It's a very quiet area."

Sean O'Connell, a 55-year-old Snowdon Close resident, said: "They were such a nice couple and every time they saw you they would smile and nod. They were always extremely helpful.

"Everyone is in shock that this has happened, it's unbelievable."

Mr O'Connell, a retired teacher who worked in Newport, said he saw an ambulance and police vehicles outside the couple's home at about 9.40pm last night.

He said the couple always seemed happy together and that Vince was always working on his house.

Police have cordoned off the home with tape.

Forensic officers were expected at the property later today. An R-registration Mercedes was parked in the driveway of the semi-detached property.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said they could not confirm the identity of the dead man until next of kin had been informed.

Inspector Ryley appealed for anyone in the vicinity of Snowdon Close between 8.30pm and 9.45pm to contact them at the incident room on 01495 223673 or Gwent Police headquarters on 01633 838111.

It is the second time in just over a month that the Ty-Sign community has been rocked by a murder investigation.

At the end of July, the body of 24-year-old Natalie Cain was found at a house in Almond Avenue.

The young mum died from stab wounds. A 30-year-old man has been charged with her murder.