THE family of a father-of-two from Bettws who died after being found unconscious in a car park last night paid tribute to a "kind and loving father".

Anthony Beecham, 38, was found between the Nightingale pub and the Spar shop in Bettws, in the early hours of December 29 after suffering what police believe was a suspected "serious assault".

He was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital and later transferred to the University Hospital Cardiff where he died on Tuesday.

Last week it was reported local people claimed Mr Beecham sustained his injuries after falling off the roof of the Spar building.

Yesterday Gwent Police said this was not true but that he was the victim of a suspected "serious assault".

A major police inquiry is currently under way. Mr Beecham, of Monnow Way, Bettws, leaves a widow, Karen, and two teenage children, Amy, 18, and Kyron, 15.

In a statement released last night Mr Beecham's son and daughter described him as "a kind and loving father who was always there for us and who will be in our hearts forever.

"We will miss him terribly but will always remember the wonderful times we had together." Mrs Beecham said she met her husband when they were both teenagers. "He gave me the family I always wanted and loved and cared for us devotedly.

"Everyone whose lives he touched will miss him dearly." He also leaves a brother, Andrew Beecham, a sister, Jeanette West, and parents John and Edna Beecham. In a statement they said: "Losing him so young we feel we have been robbed."

A spokeswoman for Gwent Police said Mr Beecham was last seen enjoying a drink in the Nightingale pub on the evening of Wednesday December 28.

Detective inspector Russ Tiley from Newport Central CID said the suspected assault took place in the ground level car park of the Spar supermarket.

Last week five men, one aged 41 and the others in their late teens, were arrested on suspicion of serious assault. They were released on police bail pending further inquiries.

His death, which is being treated as suspicious but not as murder, has stunned people living on the estate.

DI Tiley said it was a major inquiry and that ten officers were working on the case.

Police are still appealing for people to come forward with information about the incident which led to Mr Beecham's death.

Anyone with information can phone Gwent Police on 01633 838111.