THE FAMILY of a man found dead on a roadside near Oakdale paid tribute to him yesterday, describing him as an “outgoing person who loved life and lived it to the full”.

Yesterday, it emerged officers want to talk to the drivers of two light-coloured saloon vehicles seen driving down Penmaen Road between 2am and 4am on Sunday.

Ian Hamilton, 27, also known as Parker Hamilton, was found at the side of Penmaen Road between Oakdale and Pontllanfraith in the early hours of Sunday morning.

He travelled to Gwent from his home in Bristol to visit family and was at a party the evening before he died.

The family tribute said: “Ian will be remembered by us, his brothers, girlfriend and grandfather as a loving, outgoing person who loved life and lived it to the full. He was kind and generous and enjoyed keeping fit and was well known for his running.

“Although living in Bristol, Ian kept in contact with us and it gives us some comfort at this sad time that we spent the evening with Ian prior to this tragedy. Ian will be greatly missed by us all and his many friends. Sleep tight son.”

Police want to speak to the drivers as they were close to where Mr Hamilton was found within the timescale officers are investigating.

He was seen walking from Blackwood bus station and it is known he walked along Penmaen Road towards Oakdale. Officers are studying CCTV from the area in the hours up to Mr Hamilton’s death.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said yesterday it had not been established if Mr Hamilton, who was wearing combat trousers, a black vest and dog tags, was attacked prior to his death.

A stretch of road between Park View Bungalows and Oakdale Terrace remained closed to non-residents yesterday afternoon as police investigations continued.

It was not clear when the road would be reopened as the Argus went to press.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gwent Police on 101.