GWENT Police followed procedure in dealing with the disappearance of Leonard Hill, an Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) investigation found today.

Mr Hill, 64, was murdered by convicted killer David Cook after he was released from prison and moved in next door to him in 2011.

His body was hidden in a bedroom in Cook's bungalow in Rhymney, for 12 days before being discovered.

His disappearance was reported to Gwent Police towards the end of that period and steps were taken to trace his whereabouts.

An IPCC investigation has found action taken by the force after the missing person's report "was proportionate and followed policy".

"On June 21 2011, 64-year-old Mr Hill was reported missing to the police by his social worker after he had failed to attend a local day centre since June 14," an IPCC spokesman said.

"Mr Hill was designated a high-risk missing person because of his age and his disappearance was out of character.

"Mr Hill's body was found in David Cook's home on June 25."

IPCC Commissioner for Wales Tom Davies said: "My sympathies are with Mr Hill's family and friends at what must be a very distressing time for them.

"Our investigation focused on how Gwent Police dealt with the circumstances leading up to the discovery of Mr Hill's body and found that police officers and staff dealt properly with the missing person report."