DUFFRYN man Douglas Forshaw, pictured, claims he suffered a stroke after a gang of youths abused him - less than two hours before a young father died in similar circumstances.

Now police probing the death of young father Simon Gibbons last Wednesday are investigating Mr Forshaw's claims.

Mr Forshaw, 69, who lives in Sandpiper Way, claims he was rushed to hospital after being harassed by a gang on the same estate and on the same evening.

From his bed in the city's Royal Gwent Hospital where he is recovering after a stroke, former lory driver Mr Forshaw said: "It's tragic what happened to Simon, I knew him from around the estate, he was only a young chap.

"It should have been me not him who died because he had his life ahead of him and young kids to look after. I've had rocks thrown at my car at the same spot as it happened to him. They are up there all the time chucking things at cars and buses."

Mr Forshaw said he collapsed at the home he shares with his wife Margaret. He said: "I drove home at about 5.30pm on Wednesday and some youths in Sandpiper Way caused me to drive into a metal post by deliberately running in front of my car.

"When I got inside they started kicking a football against a neighbouring building so that the noise echoed around our house. I asked them lots of times to move but they just abused me. I believe that the stress of it caused my stroke."

Mr Forshaw, who has lived on the Duffryn estate for 30 years, said: "I let them get to me and I believe that's why I had this stroke.

"It really is tragic that it has taken this man's death to wake people up, the people of Duffryn who want to improve things need to get together and find an answer."

Local councillor Garry Brown said: "Mr Gibbons' death was a terrible waste of life but if we can use that awful moment to wake people up and start improving things then it would be the best tribute to him we could make."

A police spokesman in Newport said Mr Forshaw's claims are being investigated.