Murder probe launched after man, 76, found dead
POLICE have launched a murder investigation after a 76-year-old man was found dead in Cimla, Neath.
South Wales Police officers were called to the property in Lime Grove at 9.16pm on Thursday following reports of a disturbance.
A police cordon was in place yesterday and inquiries are continuing in the area.
A 27-year-old man has been arrested and is in custody.
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Darren George, of the major crime investigations team, said: “A murder investigation has been instigated and a major incident room has been set up.
“The investigation is very much in its early stages, however, I am appealing for witnesses to come forward who may have seen or heard anything in and around the Lime Grove area of Cimla yesterday evening, especially between 7pm and 9.30pm.
“There will be increased police presence in the area and I would like both to reassure and thank the local community for their assistance to date.”
There were two cordons in place at the scene. Police were using one to enter and leave one property, while there was a second one stretching across two houses on the opposite side of the road.
One resident, who did not want to be named, said there had been a lot of activity in the area on Thursday night.
The resident said: “At about 6pm or 6.30pm last night there were people walking up and down the road about five times.
“A lot has been happening here through the night. It’s terrible.”
Councillor John Warman said he was in the area when police arrived.
“From the minute police had the call they were up there straightaway,” he said.
“It is a great shock to the community that something like this could happen. I have to say, the police have been in the community and offering reassurance where it happened.
“I was outside the school this morning and parents were talking about it too. Everybody is stunned that something like this could happen in the area.”
■ Anyone with information is asked to contact South Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting 1900056210.