A GWENT father died last night - three days after a violent assault left him with head and spinal injuries.

Alec Howells, 39, of Blaendare Road, Pontypool, was found by a neighbour, bleeding on the doorstep of his brother Chris Howells' home in Ashgrove Close, Pontypool, around midnight on Saturday.

He had attended his sister's wedding reception at New Panteg Rugby Club, New Inn, in the hours before he was found injured.

Mr Howells was taken to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, but doctors told his family there was little they could do.

Yesterday Mr Howells' life-support machine was turned off.

Last night his girlfriend, Hannah Swain, who had been keeping a vigil at his bedside,was too distraught to comment.

Friend Verity Leighton, 29, of Sebastopol, who had visited Mr Howells in hospital, said doctors had said his brain was dead.

Mr Howells was the father of two sons, aged five and ten, from a previous relationship, and had a 16-year-old stepdaughter who he raised as his own.

Andrew Lewis, 37, of Maple Road South, Sebastopol, knew Mr Howells all his life and said they were like brothers. "When I went to the hospital I didn't recognise him," he said.

His brother, Christian Lewis, also of Maple Road South, Sebastopol, said: "What has happened is shocking.

"Alec was a good bloke who would do anything for anyone. We will all miss him very much."

Mr Howells lived by himself in a one-bedroom flat in Blaendare Road but spent much of his time at the home of his girlfriend's mother, Veronica Clayton, in Springfield, Pontypool.

Ms Clayton, 58, said: "My daughter is devastated."

Two men have been arrested and released on police bail following the incident. Forensic teams spent Sunday gathering evidence at the house in Ashgrove Close, which remains sealed off.

Residents expressed their shock over the incident.

Neighbour Leslie Williams, 65, told the Argus: "This is a very quiet area normally."

Anyone with information should ring Gwent Police on 01633 838111.