A GWENT man remains unconscious on a life-support machine today two days after he was found lying on an old farm track.

Wayne Stephens, from Varteg, was discovered by a passer-by unconscious near Coed Afon Farm, near Varteg Road, just before 8.30am on Sunday.

He was taken to Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny, and transferred to the intensive care unit at Cardiff's University Hospital Wales, suffering from serious injuries.

Mr Stephens was today unconscious but stable as hospital staff kept him under sedation as a precaution.

Gwent police are keeping an open mind on the incident but are appealing for witnesses or anyone who may have seen Mr Stephens, known to have been drinking the previous night.

Detective Mike Jones said early indications would seem to rule out foul play.

He told the Argus: "Mr Stephens is on a life-support machine at the hospital and is being kept under sedation this morning as a precaution. Mr Stephens was found lying unconscious by a passer-by near Varteg Road. At the moment we are keeping an open mind and early suggestions do not indicate foul play or that anyone else was involved," he added.

"He suffered serious head injuries but not those that would appear consistent with an assault. We know from information received that Mr Stephens had been drinking the night before and we urge any witnesses and anyone who came into contact with him to come forward." Pontypool police can be contacted on 01495 764711.