POLICE are treating an attack on a man outside a shop in Chep-stow 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 yesterday underwent surgery for a brain injury.

His condition this morning was 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.

Last night an area outside the shops on Bulwark Road remained taped off and under police guard.

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

Detective Inspector Mike Jones, of Chepstow police station, said: "We believe the man had been in an altercation with some youths and was 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 helping police with their inquiries at Chepstow police station last night.

Anyone with any information on the incident should contact DI Mike Jones in Chepstow on 01291 623993.