A ROCK band frontman from Newport was left needing 24 stitches after a terrifying stabbing which narrowly missed his jugular vein in Newport.

Benji Webbe, of music group Skindred, was attacked while on his way home to Pill after a party on Friday night.

Police are still looking for the attacker, who missed Mr Webbe’s jugular vein by just two inches during the assault which happened outside the Crosskeys pub in the city centre.

48-year-old Mr Webbe, who has played to audiences of more than 700,000 around the world, was left with stitches on his face and throat.

He said: “I’m a little shaken up.

“I’ve been going to town for a long time and nothing like that’s ever happened before.

“As I came out of the club the bouncers said there’s some crazy people up there. As I passed them I was trying to calm down the situation.

“It turned into mayhem. It all escalated real quick.

“I didn’t realise I was bleeding until someone noticed. We got in the cab, I looked in the mirror of the cab and I could see the hole in my throat and that scared me straightaway.

“I went straight to the A&E. Within minutes they pulled me through. I thought it was just going to be a band aid and leave. But I needed injections and had 24 stitches on my face and throat.”

Mr Webbe had been at a party at the Lounge, on Market Street, for the birthday of his friend, Newport nightclub owner Iftekhar Harris.

He performed a reggae cover of Life on Mars as a tribute to David Bowie and said he left the club with his girlfriend at around 12.20am.

He said he has had to postpone some work this week because of his injuries but holds no ill-will towards his attackers.

He said: “I felt forgiveness was the right thing. Otherwise, where will it stop?

“For me it was all about forgiving. Hopefully justice will be done. Life is short and you can’t have that anger.

Heavy metal, alternative rock and reggae band Skindred was founded in 1998 in Newport and has since played at concerts around the world.

Club owner and Mr Webbe’s friend, Iftekhar Harris, said: “I couldn’t believe it. I’m glad he was ok.”

Gwent Police are now appealing for information following the assault which happened sometime between 12am and 1.30am on Saturday, January 30.

A police spokeswoman said: “During the assault, a 48-year-old man from Newport sustained injuries to the face and neck that required stitches.

“If anyone has any information, please call 101 quoting log number 378 31/01/16.”