A murder victim whose body was found in the River Taff in Grangetown, Cardiff, has been named by police as David Alun Lewis, 45, from Ystrad Mynach.
A 28-year-old man has been arrested by South Wales Police on suspicion of murder after Mr Lewis’ body was found partially submerged in water with suspected head injuries. A post-mortem is due to be carried out to find the exact cause of death.
In a statement released through the police, Mr Lewis’ parents Hetty and Glyndwr said: “This is so sad. We love David so much and our lives will never be the same again.
“We can’t believe such a thing has happened to our son.”
They described their son as a good musician and a highly intelligent, decent man.
Mr Lewis lived with his parents in Ystrad Mynach but is believed to have been staying at the Huggard Centre, a homeless shelter on Tressilian Terrace, near to where his body was found.
Police received an anonymous call from a phone box on Clare Road, Grangetown just before midnight on March 19.
Detective Superintendent Paul Hurley, of the South Wales Police Specialist Crime Investigations Team, said: “While an individual has been arrested and remains in custody, we are still very much appealing for witnesses.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the vicinity of the Taff Embankment between 7.45pm and 11.45pm on Wednesday, March 19.
“I would also urge anyone who may have seen suspicious behaviour or an altercation on the river bank to please contact the incident room or officers at the scene.”
The last known sighting of Mr Lewis was around 7.45pm on Wednesday walking along Penarth Road, near the Big Yellow Storage, opposite the BMW garage.
He was wearing light blue jeans, a navy anorak style jacket, and a light coloured baseball cap with the wording ‘cross hatch’ and may also have been in possession of a black holdall.
Anyone with information is urged to call the incident room in confidence on 02920 571 530, South Wales Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting occurrence number 1400093541.