NEWPORT police are appealing for witnesses as they investigate the death of a man found on a bench only yards from the city's central police station.

As the Argus reported yesterday, the body was reported to police at approximately 6am yesterday, by a member of the public walking past the memorial to Merchant Navy sailors at Mariner's Green, popularly known as Gilligan's Island.

The dead man was seated on the bench under the memorial, facing toward the Commercial Road shops.

It is not known at what time of night he arrived there.

The island, between Cardiff Road, George Street and Com-mercial Road, was sealed by police to allow officers from the forensic science division to examine the scene.

Later in the morning a tent was placed over the bench to allow them to study it close-up without interference, pictured.

According to police, the dead man is a 70-year-old single white male from the Newport area.

Sergeant Philip Spokes, who attended the scene yesterday morning, said: "We are reasonably sure that we know who this is but no details can be released at the moment."

The Home Office pathologist has been informed of the death and Gwent police are continuing their investigations.

Police have asked any witnesses who may have passed through the area from Monday night to Tuesday morning to contact them on 01633 244999.

A police spokesman aid: "In all cases of sudden death the incident in the first instance must be investigated and en-quiries will be made."

Ann Barton, proprietor of AB Florists, opposite the island, said: "I've been here since early this morning and I normally walk that way but I didn't today, thank God.

"It's a very sad way to end up."