THE FAMILY of a former rugby league player have called for answers after he was found lying in a lane in Pontypool with “life changing injuries”.

Ex-Wales Dragonhearts full back, Scott Bessant, 34,of Pontypool, was discovered at around 5.15am earlier this month when a member of the public found him lying in Pentwyn Lane, in Abersychan.

The former rugby league player – who spent time at Newport Titans and Torfaen Tigers – is currently in intensive care and Gwent Police are investigating the incident.

Brother in law, Neil Chere, aged 48, has called for answers on the cause of Scott’s injuries – which include multiple fractures – and is appealing on social media for anyone who may have saw anything overnight on August 12 - 13.

“The member of the public (who found Scott) phoned the police and in a very short space of time the paramedics turned up bringing a first response doctor,” Scott’s brother-in-law Neil Chere said.

“The family thank them from the bottom of their heart and if it wasn’t for their intervention, Scott wouldn’t be with us today”.

Mr Chere said that after leaving the Little Crown pub earlier that evening he was “happy, full of life and in high spirits” but that there is “long period of time” where no one knows what happened.

“It couldn’t have happened at the wrong time to the wrong person,” he said.

“He’s one of six children and his mum and father and all the family are just in bits. He has two children. We’re just lost for words.

“We’re doing this appeal because we want to find out what happened."

The Wales Rugby League have also published an official statement saying everyone in the rugby league community are “hoping and praying” for Mr Bessant’s recovery.

The ex-player was once in contention for a place in the Celtic Crusaders squad – but was unable to join due to illness – and then became involved in coaching roles.

Gwent Police have confirmed that an investigation is “still on-going” into the circumstances surrounding Mr Bessant’s injuries.

A spokeswoman said: “A member of the public found the man lying on Pentwyn Lane next to the bridge, where the Pontypool to Blaenavon Cycle Path crosses.

“The man is currently in hospital with life changing injuries and remains in intensive care in a stable but critical condition”.

Brother in law, Mr Chere, said: “We have a young man who was completely fit, did half marathons for the Bobath charity and was just a loving person.

“He is a big figure in the community and when you walk down the street people you don’t even know have come and shook your hand crying”.

He added: “Scott would help anyone and was a true gentleman and this is devastating for everyone.

“At this point we just don’t know what has happened. We’re genuinely looking for answers.”

If you were in the Pentwyn Lane area between 1am and 5am on Sunday, August 13 or have any information, call 101, quoting log 136 13/8/17.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.