THE parents of missing Newbridge man Kyle Vaughan have emotionally revealed they believe their son is dead as the search approaches its fifth week.

Gwent Police launched a murder investigation after Mr Vaughan's silver Peugeot 306 was found on the A467 between Risca and Crosskeys on December 30.

The family have remained hopeful that Mr Vaughan, 24, an insulin dependant diabetic, would return home.

But yesterday Mr Vaughan's father Alan spoke of his fears in a post on Kyle's Facebook search page, which read: "We know our son is not coming home again because he was killed on 30/12/12. Now we will not have grandchildren. We are very hurt, but we thank everyone for their support in trying to find our son. We know he was harmed, but we know Gwent Police will do Kyle proud by sending them to jail."

So far eight people have been arrested in connection with the investigation, but no charges have been brought.

The latest, a 27-year-old woman and 28-year-old man from Cwmfelinfach - were arrested on suspicion of murder, but were released on bail pending further enquiries on Friday January 25.

In a statement released by the family on Friday, Mr Vaughan’s parents Alan and Mary, said: "We would again like to appeal for information regarding the disappearance of our son.

"It has been one month since we last saw him, and we are utterly devastated that we still don't know what’s happened to him.

"There is a huge gap in our lives, and we realise we need to prepare for the worst possible outcome.

"Our son has never harmed anyone, but we think there may be somebody out there who is withholding vital information.

"Therefore, we would ask them to come forward and help us to understand what has happened to Kyle.

"We also want people to know that they can pass information to the police completely anonymously through Crimestoppers."

Mr Vaughan's emotive post received more than 100 comments on the Facebook page, Help us with information: Missing - Kyle Vaughan, which already has more than 16,500 members.

One comment, from Lisa Morgans, said: "Thoughts are with you all. And hope justice will be done."

Another post, by Lauren Eleanor Harrhy, said: "You are in our thoughts, as is Kyle. I hope you can find some justice and some peace."

If you have any information call 101, 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.