A MAN from Pontypool is fighting for his life following a serious assault.

The incident happened just before midnight on Saturday on Ashgrove Close, in the Sebastopol area.

A police spokesman said the man is receiving treatment for his injuries in hospital in Cardiff. He is said to be in a critical condition.

Yesterday Gwent police sealed off a house on Ashgrove Close and forensics arrived on the scene.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said the man was seen bleeding on the porch of the house following the incident.

She said: "My son was on his way back home on Saturday night when he saw the man bleeding and called for an ambulance."

Neighbour Thomas Taylor, 62, and his wife Gillian, 61, were out on Saturday night when the assault took place but said they were shocked when they found out.

Mrs Taylor said the couple who live in the sealed off house "keep themselves to themselves".

Neighbour Wilf Taylor, 72, said: "We've never had any trouble up here. "It's a quiet community."

Two people have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information should ring Gwent Police on 01633 838111.