Burglary link after man's death

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Police investigating a suspicious death at a house in Merthyr Tydfil believe a burglary may have taken place there.

Detectives are trying to find out the circumstances surrounding the man's death on the Galon Uchaf estate but have launched a murder-style inquiry.

They believe the house in Fifth Avenue may have been broken into recently and want information about activity there over the last two weeks.

The dead man was in his 50s but officers have not yet identified him.

Police said the man's body was found after a neighbour raised the alarm.

House to house

Forensic scientists are involved in the investigation and house-to-house inquiries are being made.

Police have not yet notified the next of kin.

Det Supt Paul Kemp said: "I cannot confirm that this man has been murdered and although the cause of death has not yet been established, I am treating it as a murder investigation."

An incident room has been set up at Mountain Ash Police Station with a team of 20 officers working on the investigation.

"I am anxious to speak to anyone who has seen any activity in and around this house in the last week or two including any persons seen entering or leaving," said Det Supt Kemp.

"I am also keen to find out more about the occupant of the property.

"You may think information you have is insignificant but it could be vital to our investigation."

One neighbour said there had been a large police presence since late Monday afternoon.

Search teams have also been examining a park off the road, looking for clues.

The semi-detached house has been cordoned off in the street on the estate.

The neighbour said of the dead man: "People rarely saw him, he kept himself to himself."

Anyone with information should contact the incident room at Merthyr Tydfil police station on 01443 743678, or ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.