A CWMBRAN man is being quizzed by detectives today over the death of a 53-year-old woman.

Pauline Elsie Jones was found dead in a flat at Leadon Court, Thornhill, Cwmbran, at 5pm on Friday - and police launched a murder investigation.

Last night a 44-year-old Cwmbran man was arrested in connection with her death and was in police custody today.

The move followed the launch of a major investigation into Mrs Jones' death - an incident room was set up in Pontypool and 45 officers were drafted in.

Police issued appeals over the weekend for information on the whereabouts of the flat's tenant, Melvin Stewart, 44, originally from Bradford.

They sent officers to the Yorkshire city, but police today said they had traced Mr Stewart.

Officers continued their searches of the flat at Leadon Court, and Mrs Jones' address in Grange Lane, Northville, over the weekend.

Police say they discovered her body as part of a missing person's inquiry, following a call by a concerned relative.

Mrs Jones was identified following a post-mortem examination on Saturday, though police have been unable to establish when she died.

Dectective Superintendent Geoff Ronayne, who is heading the investigation, said: "We are particularly interested in movements around the flat in the week leading up to Friday, from Monday onwards."

He said he wanted to hear from anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously, or carrying items from the flat.

A red Ford Escort parked outside the flats was taken by officers on Friday night.

Shocked neighbours of Mrs Jones yesterday paid tribute to a "lovely lady".

Claire Stinton, 22, who grew up in Grange Lane, said: "She was a nice lady, really easy-going - it's very shocking. It made me feel sick to my stomach because I saw her on Wednesday night."

Her mother, Maureen Stinton, said she had known Mrs Jones since she moved into Grange Lane about three years ago.

"She came to our wedding anniversary a couple of years ago - she was a lovely lady, really friendly. We can't believe what's happened," she said. "Her son-in-law called round on Thursday and Friday because he was looking for her. He told us he'd called the police."

* Anyone with any information is asked to call Gwent Police on 01633 838111 or Crimestoppers, 0800 555111.