A TEENAGER is fighting for his life after a crash in Newport.

The 17-year-old, named locally as Ieuan Roach, crashed a moped into a Fiat Panda Eco at around 9.15pm on Sunday on Monnow Way, Bettws, close to Humber Road and the old Don Close Nursery.

Residents where the crash happened heard a loud bang and came out to see what had happened, they came out to find the moped under the Panda and the young man lying on the other side of the car. They covered him up with a blanket until the ambulance arrived.

The moped was taken away by police accident investigators after 1am yesterday.

Family friends said Ieuan has three sisters and lives with his dad Ian.

Next door neighbours said Ieuan was a good young man and was no trouble. They said the family had lived in the house for about ten years.

Jessica Turner, 18, who lives next door to the family is a friend of Ieuan.

She said: "He's a lovely boy. I hope he gets better soon. He's a strong boy so I think he should get better. I was in shock when I heard about what happened. He is one of my good friends."

She added that he had been training as a carpenter at college but wasn't sure if that was still the case.

It is understood Ieuan suffered a serious head injury.

Police are appealing for information following a crash between the moped and parked car on Monnow Way.

Police said it resulted in a 17-year-old boy, who was riding the moped, receiving serious injuries. He was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital and later transferred to the Heath Hospital Cardiff where he remained in a critical condition yesterday.

If anyone has information they are asked to call Gwent Police on 101 or call the Collision Investigation Unit on 01633 642404.