Police seek attack details (From Free Press Series)

Police seek attack details

POLICE are treating an attack on a man outside a shop in Chepstow as attempted murder.

Ivor Swift, aged 48, from Bulwark, was found unconscious and bleeding outside the Spar shop on Bulwark Road at around 11.40pm on bank holiday Monday.

Mr Swift was initially taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital, in Newport, for treatment, but was later transferred to the University of Wales Hospital, Cardiff, where he underwent surgery for a brain injury.

His condition was later described as stable.

Police believe he may have become involved in a dispute with a group of youths and could have been robbed.

Police say they are treating the incident as attempted murder, but are keeping an open mind. An area outside the shops on Bulwark Road was taped off and under police guard.

An incident room with a team of 15 officers was set up in Chepstow police station to investigate the incident.

Det Insp Mike Jones, of Chepstow police station, said: "We believe he had been in an altercation with some youths and possibly the victim of a robbery.

"We are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the altercation or the group of youths visiting the Spar shop between 8pm and midnight on Monday."

Police say a 20-year-old man was arrested, questioned, then released without charge. Anyone with any information can contact DI Mike Jones in Chepstow on 01291 623993.