Murder probe into riverbank death

POLICE have launched a murder investigation into the death of a man whose body was found nine months after he disappeared .

Richard Andrews, 49, was reported missing to South Wales Police in January 2018 though he was last seen alive in September 2017.

His body was found by a member of the public on September 29 last year on the banks of the River Neath at Neath Abbey Wharf, Skewen.

Police now suspect Mr Andrews, pictured, who was also known as Monkey and came from the Melyn area of Neath, was murdered.

Detective Chief Inspector Darren George said: “The circumstances surrounding Richard’s death have been thoroughly investigated and we now suspect he was murdered.

“Richard was a vulnerable individual and I believe he may have been taken advantage of. At the time of his disappearance it is believed he was involved with individuals from the Liverpool area who were dealing drugs in and around the Neath and Briton Ferry areas. His family have been devastated by his death and my sincere sympathies are with them.”

The force is appealing for people from the Neath and Briton Ferry area to come forward as they believe “certain individuals” have “significant information” that could assist their investigation.

Mr Andrews’ niece, Kathryn, said: “I am not saying he was perfect, I am not going to pretend he was, but he wasn’t cruel. He would do anything for people. You could knock on his door and he would go to the shop in the pouring rain for you. He wouldn’t think twice about helping people.

“If someone was taken from you you are going to want to know why and what happened.”

Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible.

Information must be passed to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or through an untraceable anonymous online form. Alternatively, anyone with information can call South Wales Police on 101 quoting 1900031266.