A GWENT man was arrested in Goa after his girlfriend was stab-bed to death on Chri-stmas Day, the Foreign Office confirmed last night.

The Argus exclusively revealed last Thursday that Adrian Duggan, 36, from Blaina, was seriously injured in the incident, which happened in a hotel room at the resort of Vagator. The dead woman, Catherine Campbell, 43, was found lying in a pool of blood.

Blood-stained broken scissors were found in the room. Mr Duggan was treated for chest injuries at the Goa Medical College, in Bam-bolim. A police guard was at his bedside.

Police have launched a murder inquiry. A spokeswoman for the Foreign and Commonwealth office said two British nationals were involved in a violent incident in India which ended in a death.

"Ms Campbell died on Christmas Day as a result of stab wounds she sustained," the spokeswoman said.

"Adrian Duggan has since been arrested and is being held at the moment by the police authorities in Goa.

"No charges have been brought so far." Under Indian law, Mr Duggan can be held up to 90 days before being charged.

The spokeswoman said he received medical treatment for injuries but she could not say exactly what they were or their extent.

She said they were giving Mr Duggan consular assistance. Ms Campbell moved to Wales because she was unhappy with her life in London. Factory worker Mr Duggan split with his wife Linda, 39, last year. Friend Jonathan WIlliams, 36, saw the couple often.

He said: "I never saw them have a raised argument. Adrian seemed a very placid person.

"He was good for Cathy. She was a very loving person." Linda, of Lancaster Street, Blaina, is still waiting to hear if charges will be brought.

She said: "I don't know what is happening out there." The mum-of-two, who has an eight-year-old son with Mr Duggan, said: "We are in contact with the authorities. It's all very upsetting. I just hope he's okay."