Against a backdrop of fears over increasing violence, crime and anti-social behaviour in Newport city centre, South Wales Argus reporter SAM FERGUSON describes the moment he witnessed an attack at the bus station. He writes:

WHILE speaking to commuters at the bus station under Friars Walk about the rising problem of violence and anti-social behaviour last month, I witnessed a 76-year old man getting beaten up by a gang of teenagers.

The gentleman, who asked not to be named, had recently recovered from a heart operation, and was walking through the bus station to meet his family for a meal at the nearby Potters bar.

I didn’t see what caused the fight, but I did see the gentleman on the floor of the bus station, surrounded by a group of youths who were kicking and hitting him.

After the attack, the victim was left with a large, bleeding lump on his head. I persuaded him to call the police, and spoke to him a few days later about the incident. ‘I think it was disgusting,’ he told me.'They threw a bottle at me for no reason at all. When I took it back to them they just started hitting me. I’m still very sore when I have to get up out of my chair. The hospital said that I have bruising on my ribs, so it can be quite hard to sleep or get out of bed'.

A police spokesman confirmed they had received a report of the incident and were investigating.

They said: "At approximately 4.45pm on Sunday 22nd April 2018 we received reports of an assault on Upper Dock Street, Newport. It is believed the incident occurred at approximately 1.15pm whereby a man has reported to have been assaulted including being punched and kicked and having a bottle thrown at him.

"The victim has attended the Royal Gwent Hospital to receive treatment for his injuries. Officers are conducting enquiries including reviewing CCTV close to the area.

"Anyone with information is asked to please call 101 quoting log 356 22/04/2018.”

Newport Transport pay the city council a fee to run their services from the bus station under Friars Walk, but do not manage the site directly.

Friars Walk, Newport City Council and Newport Transport have all previously told the Argus they are aware of the issues around anti-social behaviour in the city centre in general and the bus station in particular. All three parties are working with Gwent Police and other partners to find a solution.