A 60-year-old attack victim with facial injuries was taken to hospital by police because, officers say, no ambulances were available.

The man was found by officers on Bedwellty Road, Cefn Fforest, at 12.20am on Saturday.

He had suffered cuts to his forehead and dental damage and was taken to Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital by police as there were no ambulances available, a Gwent Police spokeswoman said.

Officers arrested two 19-year-old local men on suspicion of assault later that morning.

They have now been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

The man had watched the Wales versus England rugby match at Twyn-y-Ffald Constitutional Club that evening before leaving at around midnight.

The club's steward, Ian Smith said he was shocked to hear what happened.

He described the victim as a "real gentleman", saying there had been no trouble in the club and nothing to suggest such an incident would take place.

A spokesman for the Aneurin Bevan NHS Trust said that the man was admitted to Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital on Friday night and discharged on Sunday.

Gwent Police have appealed for witnesses or information regarding the incident. Phone 01633 838111 or 0800555111.

No one at the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust was available for comment as th Argus went to Press last night.