A MIDDLE-aged man found dead in a suspected murder in New Tredegar on Saturday was a convicted child murderer, it has been revealed.

The 54-year-old was found dead by police in his rented flat in Long Row, on Saturday, where he moved in alone just six weeks ago.

And now it has been revealed the victim is David Gaut who, in July 1985, was jailed for life for the murder and torture of a 17-month old boy just 11 miles from New Tredegar.

Two men, aged 23 and 51, of New Tredegar and a man, 47, of Aberbargoed, have been arrested on suspicion of murder. They are currently in police custody for questioning.

People living in the area told how feelings were running "very high" as people were convinced it was the same person as the child killer.

Gaut, then 21, was babysitting his girlfriend's son Chi Ming Shek - known as Marky - when he battered, kicked, and burned the sole of this child's foot.

The baby's mum Jane Pickthall, then 23, had been out drinking and left Gaut to look after her two young children.

She arrived home in Caerphilly and made love to Gaut - but the next day she found her son's dead body under a chest of drawers.

A murder trial at Cardiff Crown Court heard Gaut tried to make the death look accidental.

But pathologist Dr Owen Williams said the baby's injuries could have been caused by punching, kicking, falling, being thrown or a combination of these.

Unemployed Gaut told police Marky had got out of the cot and claimed he smacked the tot's bottom but he fell down the stairs.

He said he gave Marky mouth to mouth and put him back in the cot - because he "looked all right."

The baby died of multiple injuries including a broken arm, injured liver and spleen and a fractured skull.

Gaut was convicted of murder and jailed for life in July 1985 - but would have been due to apply for parole since then.

Gwent Police refused to confirm the victim is David Gaut, but say his next of kin has been informed and enquiries are continuing.

Neighbours in New Tredegar said Gaut told them that he had spent time in prison “for a crime he didn’t do”.

One woman said: “He has been living here for about six weeks but he’s not from here. He’s not local.

“He told us he’d been to prison for 33 years.”

A man at the same house added: “He first of all told us he was inside for a crime but he didn’t do it.

“He then said he had shot someone a long time ago but we knew that wasn’t true.

“Everyone knew he killed a baby and everyone was talking about it.”

Other neighbours spoke of their shock and say they do not feel safe after a series of people were moved into social housing.

His body was discovered around 3pm on Saturday.

A police spokesman said: "The cause of death has yet to be established and will be determined following a post mortem examination.

"Anyone with information should call Gwent Police."

A Prison and Probation Service spokeswoman said: "Thorough risk assessments are carried out before deciding on accommodation for offenders released on licence.

"There is an ongoing police investigation, so it would be in appropriate to comment further."