A SERVING Gwent Police officer who was found dead at his home in Ebbw Vale last week was described by friends as a “prince amongst men”.

Tributes have flooded in for Police Constable Rowan Helps, 32, who died in mysterious circumstances at his home on Lilian Grove on Wednesday.

More than 250 people have visited a page set up in his memory on Facebook.

The page, which has a photo of him inset against a single red rose, was set up for anyone who knew him to share memories or prayers for the family.

Among the many tributes and photo’s posted by friends, family and former colleagues he was described as a kind, generous, decent and thoughtful person with a big heart.

One read: “Rowan was a Prince amongst men.”

Other messages read: "It was truly a privilege to have worked with such a gentleman who always had a smile on his face and a funny story to tell," "A cheeky smile that would light up any room, a fantastic guy that would help you when it was needed, a lovely friend that will be truly missed."

Officers are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident and tests are being carried out on unknown chemicals found at the terraced house to determine exactly what they are.

PC Helps, who worked for the neighbourhood response north team and had been a police officer for seven years, had been under investigation by Gwent Police and suspended from the force.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been notified about his death which is being treated as unexplained.

A report is being prepared for the coroner.