A 22-YEAR-OLD man has died after a serious crash in Pontypool involving a van and a parked car.

The man, from the Pontypool area, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

He has been named locally as amateur boxer Shane Thomas.

In a tribute by Torfaen Warriors Amateur Boxing Club head coach Simon Weaver, he was described as "always smiling and laughing".

Mr Weaver said: "Where do I begin to describe this great young man?

"The day he walked in my gym aged around nine-years-old wanting to box, he was always smiling and laughing.

South Wales Argus:

(Shane Thomas)

"You turned out to be a big inspiration to my gym, winning British and Welsh titles and gold medals in Finland. The other boxers looked up to you."

He continued: "This all seems a bad dream and I hope you will walk back through the gym doors 

"I know this now will never happen so heaven has gained our Champion. We will always miss and cherish our times together 

"God Bless Champ."

The Noddfa Baptist Church in Abersychan also spoke in tribute, asking people to join them in prayer.

"Shane was a gentleman, hard working and an inspiration to everyone at our local boxing club and wider community," read the tribute.

"He won the British title four times and did all that he could to support young talent.

"Pastor John was with the family in the hospital last-night.

"We are all devastated by the news and we are on our knees for his family at this most difficult of times."

South Wales Argus:

(His boxing coach said he was 'always smiling and laughing')

A 27-year-old man from St Melons, Cardiff, suffered serious injuries and was taken to the University of Wales Hospital, Cardiff.

The accident happened on Penywain Road, in the town's Wainfelin area.

The road was closed overnight, as police, ambulance, and fire and rescue services all attended the incident, along with the Wales Air Ambulance.

South Wales Argus:

(Air ambulance at the scene)

The road reopened this morning following the incident.

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A spokesman for Gwent Police said: "At approximately 7.45pm yesterday evening (Monday, August 5), officers were called to a report of a serious road traffic collision on Penywain Road, Wainfelin, Pontypool.

"The collision involved a white Renault Kangoo van that collided with a parked vehicle.

"Sadly, one of the occupants of the van, a 22-year-old man from the Pontypool area, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Another occupant, a 27-year-old man from St Melons, Cardiff, suffered serious injuries and was taken to the University of Wales Hospital, Cardiff.

"Officers are requesting any motorists who used the road yesterday evening around the time of the collision to please check any dash cam footage that may provide further information that will assist officers with their enquiries. We are particularly interested in speaking to the driver of an orange BMW that was in the area at the time and might be able to help with our enquiries.

"Anyone with any information or anyone who may have witnessed the incident is urged to contact Gwent Police on 101 or Direct Message us on Facebook or Twitter, quoting log 500 of 5/8/19."