A PASSER-BY who tried to calm down an arguing couple was pushed into the path of an oncoming car in Newport, say police.

The 39-year-old Newport man suffered head injuries as a result of the incident. He was walking with his cousin along Chepstow Road towards town bridge when they came across a couple arguing, police say.

"The victim told the man arguing to calm down and was challenged to a fight. When he said the no, the man pushed him into the path of an oncoming car," said a Gwent police spokesman.

The couple then ran off towards Maindee. The injured man was treated at the Royal Gwent Hospital for head and arm injuries and has since been released.

Detectives are looking for a white male, aged about 30, 5ft 10ins tall, of stocky build. He has a scar under his left eye and speaks with a northern, possibly Manchester, accent. He was wearing a white jacket.

His woman companion is described as having long, blonde hair. She is in her 20s and of slim build. She was wearing a white top.

Detective Constable James Hill, who is investigating the incident which occurred just after 11pm on Tuesday, said the victim had been very lucky not to have sustained more serious injuries.

Anyone who can help to identify the offender should contact DC Hill on 01633 245312.