THIS is how attackers left a 65-year-old retired carpenter after he asked them to stop harassing a young woman.

Bryan Roberts of St Dials was smashed in the head with a skateboard by a group of youths on Wesley Street, Cwmbran.

His son’s fiancée condemned the attack as "inhuman".

Mr Roberts’ ordeal began after he and his friend left the Halfway Inn in Old Cwmbran at around 10pm last Tuesday.

Walking down Wesley Street on the way home the two came across four youths, aged around 18, verbally abusing a young woman.

The two asked them to stop, only for one of the group to swing a skateboard at Mr Roberts’ head.

He fell to the ground but the attack continued.

To stop the youths punching Mr Roberts, his friend called Tyrone covered him until they ran in the direction of Old Cwmbran village.

Mr Roberts’ friend raised the alarm at a nearby home, which took in Mr Roberts before the ambulance arrived.

Doctors treated him for two nights for a gash to his forehead, swollen eyes and bruising all over his face.

Mr Roberts said Tyrone probably saved his life.

"I’m hoping they can be caught. I wouldn’t want it to happen to anyone else," said Mr Roberts, still shaken days after the incident.

He thanked the neighbours for their help.

His son Gareth and his son’s fiancée Jessica Burns, 27 are looking after Mr Roberts in until he recovers.

"It's inhuman," said Ms Burns. "Why would you do that to a 65-year-old man?

"They were completely unprovoked."

Police said they were called at 11.05pm on Tuesday October 27 after a 65-year-old man was assaulted while walking along Wesley Street, Old Cwmbran.

A spokeswoman said the attackers ran off in the direction of Old Cwmbran village.

If you have any information or witnessed the incident call Gwent Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.