Three arrested in murder inquiry

Tom Smith brought 'love and laughter', said his family

A murder investigation has been launched involving 50 officers after an incident on an estate.

Two men, 18 and 39, and a youth, 17, are being questioned about what is thought to be a stabbing in Caerphilly in the early hours of Saturday.

The dead man was named as 20-year-old Tom Smith, who lived locally.

Later, police were called to Brynithel near Abertillery, Blaenau Gwent, where a 51-year-old woman died. A man, aged 30, was arrested.

Gwent Police said Mr Smith was pronounced dead in hospital in Cardiff.

Police were called to a report of disorder on a street, Heol Tir Gibbon, in the Penyrheol area of Caerphilly at around 01.35 GMT on Saturday.

Detective Chief Insp Paul Griffiths, who is leading the investigation said: "We have three people in custody in connection with the incident.

"A major investigation has commenced and we have more than 50 officers and staff working on the case."

Police are investigating the deaths in Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent

Mr Smith's family released a tribute to a "wonderful and loved son, brother, grandson and uncle".

"He loved life and brought so much love and laughter into our lives and the lives of Claire [his girlfriend] and all his friends.

"There was never a dull moment with our Tom and his cruelly-ended life has left so much pain and emptiness in our hearts. Our lives will never be the same again."

Police were called to the suspicious death on the Mount Pleasant estate at Brynithel near Abertillery at around 1730 GMT on Saturday.

The woman was pronounced dead at the premises by paramedics. The coroner has been informed and a post mortem examination is due to be carried out.

Detective Superintendent Geoff Ronayne, in charge of the Abertillery investigation, said it was "an extremely rare and isolated incident" for the area and wanted to reassure the community that a full police team was dedicated to the investigation.

Anyone who was in the area between 0800 and 1800 GMT on Saturday or has any information is asked to contact Gwent Police. Witnesses to the Caerphilly incident are asked to call 01633 838111 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.