TRIBUTE: “Ryan was a loving and caring person”

The family of Ryan O’Connor, 26, from Newport, have paid tribute to him.

Gwent Police launched a murder investigation on Thursday 10 June after the body of a man was discovered in Newport.

Officers attended a report of a serious assault at around 9.05pm in Balfe Road and found Ryan O’Connor, a 26-year-old man from Newport, unconscious and unresponsive.

He was later confirmed as deceased by paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service.

Ryan’s family are receiving support from specialist officers, and have issued the following tribute to him:

“Ryan was a loving and caring person. He has left us far too soon, and he will be greatly missed by all of us.

“He was loved by his family and the local community, which is reflected in the support that we’ve received from them at this difficult time for our family.

“The whole family would like to thank everyone for the kindness they have shown us so far.

“We would urge anyone with information to work with the police and assist their investigation in any way they can.”

Five people – three men from Cardiff and two boys, one from Caerphilly and one from Cardiff - were arrested on suspicion of murder.

They were each charged with one count of murder and one count of robbery. They appeared at Newport Magistrates Court on Monday 14 June.

We’re appealing for anyone with information that could assist our enquiries to call 101 or send a direct message via Facebook or Twitter to us, quoting log reference 2100203630.

Anyone who has dashcam footage from Balfe Road, especially of the roundabout and the surrounding area, between 8.45pm and 9.20pm on Thursday 10 June is asked to get in touch with us.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 with any details.