Man, 20, found dead next to overturned quadbike with burned out BMW discovered in nearby town: Police arrest five amid murder probe
Five men have been arrested amid a murder probe following the death of a 20-year-old man who was found next to an overturned quad bike.
Ethan Powell of Brynmawr, was found deceased on the A465, between Rhymney and Downlais, south Wales in the early hours of May 31 following a fatal crash.
Officers also believe a white BMW which was found 'burnt out' miles away from the collision in the Downlais area, may have been involved.
The police force have made five arrests in connection with the incident, which includes two men, aged 43 and 34, were arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender and are currently in police custody.
A 41-year-old man from was also arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender. He was released on conditional bail but he was recalled to prison in connection with an unrelated enquiry.
A 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and driving whilst unfit through drink and driving while unfit through drugs. A 37-year-old was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and assisting an offender.
Both were later released on conditional bail as enquiries continue.
Mr Powell's heartbroken family have since paid a touching tribute to the 'adventurous' and 'forever loved' youngster, who was 'the kindest of souls'.
'Ethan had the kindest of souls, the biggest of hearts and enough love to give to absolutely anyone he came across in life,' his family said.
'He was the funniest of characters and always managed to light up a room. He will forever live on through his sisters Eleanor and Isabella with our family remembering him every second of every day.
'Our family is truly heartbroken at the news, a young life taken far too soon with so much ahead of him.
'We would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support which we have had since Saturday.
'It brings a bit of comfort to see how loved and well thought of he really was, but we would now like to ask for privacy and space to grieve following this unimaginable loss to our family. Ethan; forever 20, forever loved.'
Others online described Ethan as 'a kind boy' who 'could light up a room with his character' while others dubbed him a 'sweet lad who always had a smile on his face.'
Officers investigating the tragedy on the main A465 on the Heads of the Valleys road in South Wales found a burnt-out BMW in the Dowlais area of Merthyr Tydfil.
Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Edwards, the senior investigating officer, said: 'We're keen to speak to anyone who was travelling along the A465 between the hours of 2am and 5am on Saturday morning, especially motorists with dashcam, as they could have details that might assist our enquiries.
'It is still our view that a second vehicle – a white BMW that was found burnt out in the Dowlais area – may have been involved in the collision.
'If you have any information about this car, then please get in touch.'
Anyone with information has been urged to call 101, or contact the force via their website quoting reference 2500171434.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously with information by calling 0800 555 111 or going to their website to report online in confidence.
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