A YOUNG father who "loved life and everything about it" was laid to rest yesterday after friends and family gathered to say their farewells.

Mourners crowded St Mary's Church in Stow Hill, Newport, for the funeral of Richard Arnold, known as Richie, who was 32.

Mr Arnold, who had a nine-year-old son, was found dead at his flat on the Old Barn Estate, St Julians, Newport, in late June.

Yesterday, his grieving sister, Claire, paid tribute to Mr Arnold, who also leaves his parents, Glyn and Marilyn, brother Julian and three nieces.

"Richie was a lovely person who loved life and everything about it. He loved all his family, his son, and loved all his friends.

"He got on with everybody, he never ran anyone down, and when he had problems of his own he still worried that everyone was OK."

She then read a moving poem, Miss Me But Let Me Go, which contains the request "remember the love we once shared".

The congregation sang The Old Rugged Cross and Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer, also known as Bread of Heaven.

The coffin was taken from the church in a funeral car covered in floral tributes, including one saying "Nip", for interment at St Woolos cemetery.

Newport police have investigated the death of Mr Arnold, who was epileptic. A party was held at his flat the night before he was found dead and five teenagers, aged between 14 and 18, were later arrested in connection with the incident.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said toxicology tests were now complete and a file had been prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service. She added the five youths remained on police bail.