POLICE were today still trying to discover the identity of a man whose body was found floating in a Gwent pond.

A member of the public out walking spotted the body in Pen-y-Fan pond, Manmoel, near Blackwood, yesterday.

Police were called at 6.20am after the walker reported finding clothes on the bank, and said they could see what looked like a body floating 30 feet out.

Officers went to the scene at Croespenmaen and confirmed that a body was in the water. South Wales Fire Service were contacted to help police retrieve the body.

The brigade boat, based at Maindee, in Newport, was scrambled, and recovered the body, which they described as that of a man aged between 35 and 40.

Gwent police inspector Peter Davies told the Argus: "The man's body was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital and we are looking into the cause of death. The most important thing at this stage is to establish this man's identity.

"We are continuing our investigations, but at the moment it is not thought that he died in suspicious circumstances."

Anyone who can help Blackwood police with their inquiries should contact officers on 01495 223673.

One theory is that the man got into difficulty after going for a swim on one of the hottest days of the year. Four people across the UK died in such circumstances in separate incidents over the weekend.

Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge said: "This is really tragic news.

"My condolences go out to this man's family, and I think the council will have to warn everyone of the dangers of swimming in places like this.

"I'm concerned that with this hot weather set to continue, we could see more accidents and we need to get everyone to be extra careful."