MORE than 300 people will suffer violent attacks in Gwent today because of a "culture of violence", the Argus can reveal.

Police statistics show that every Saturday an average of 311 people are attacked, whether at home or on the street, adding to a weekly figure of 1,739 attacks.

The shocking news comes as the area's top prosecutor, Chris Woolley, describes how drink and drugs in Gwent fuel the violence.

Mr Woolley said: "When you look at Gwent, compared to areas equivalent in size, there is a much higher rate of violent offences being committed here.

"I don't know exactly why, but alcohol and social deprivation seem to contribute to a culture of violence.

"Most violent offences happen on a Friday and Saturday night, with groups of young men getting drunk and fighting in our town centres.

"They drink too much, lose control and most of the time they don't even know who they are fighting. It can have terrible consequences."

He said casual violence put added pressure on Gwent's hospitals, courts and police.

Mr Woolley also identified major differences in the patterns of offending across Gwent.

"The east of Gwent is like a different country from the west. In Monmouthshire there are very low levels of violence compared to the Valleys, so the relative social deprivation must be a factor."

Mugging victim Natasha Rugless, 26, believes clamping down on under-age drinking in Gwent could help cut the alarming violent crime statistics. She has still not fully recovered since she was attacked near her home in Duffryn in February.

Victim Support in Gwent and Torfaen Women's Aid both said violence is a significant problem in the county that needs to be addressed.

Deputy chief constable Bryan Davies said there are issues still requiring attention but he is satisfied police are doing all they can to make a difference.

Police say statistics for violent crime have risen because of a new counting system that includes minor acts of violence that may not cause injury - like a push.