THE girlfriend of a Gwent man says she is "devastated" after he died following a serious assault.

Hannah Clayton, 34, kept a vigil at the bedside of 39-year-old Alec Howells for two days after he was found bleeding on the doorstep of the home of his brother, Chris Howells, in Ashgrove Close, Sebastopol, Pontypool, on Saturday night.

Mr Howells' life-support machine was turned off on Monday night after doctors said there was nothing more they could do for him. The former Butlins redcoat and odd-job man received serious head and spinal injuries.

Miss Clayton, of Springfield Road, Pontypool, said: "I'm just lost. I don't know what to think or what to do. It's just terrible."

She spent hours talking to Mr Howells as he lay unconscious on a ventilator at University of Wales Hospital, Heath, Cardiff.

She sang his favourite song to him, Dilemma, by Nelly and Kelly, despite doctors saying there was no hope of recovery.

"He was a lovely person who did not deserve what happened to him. It just wasn't Alec I saw lying there in that hospital bed.

"I was there when they turned the machine off. It was devastating." Mr Howells had two sons, aged five and 10, and a 16-year-old stepdaughter he raised as his own, all from a previous relationship. Miss Clayton said: "He adored his kids so much. He just loved having fun with everyone."

Mr Howells, who lived in a flat in Blaendare Road, Pontypool, spent the hours before the assault at his sister's wedding reception at New Panteg Rugby Club.

Springfield Road resident Esme Leighton saw him on the day of the wedding.

She said he looked "really happy" and "very smart".

Two men were arrested and released on police bail following the incident. Forensic teams gathered evidence at the house in Ashgrove Close. Anyone with information should call police on 01633 838111.