A GWENT man is fighting for his life in hospital after being found stabbed near his home.

Ian Austin, aged 35, from Earl's Mede, Greenmeadow, Cwmbran, who is married with four children, suffered a puncture wound to one of his lungs and a fractured skull on Friday night.

He had an emergency operation at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, on Saturday, and remains in a critical condition at the hospital's intensive care unit.

His friend, Jason Shaun Collier, 26, from The Twinings, Greenmeadow, was also injured in the incident, which happened at around 10pm on Friday. He is in a stable condition at Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital.

The pair were found near their homes, between the top of Earl's Mede and The Twinings. Gwent Police officers and ambulance staff were at the scene within minutes and both men were rushed to hospital.

Yesterday Mr Austin's shocked neighbours told the Argus they were horrified to learn of his injuries.

Denise Brian, 43, of Mere Path, said: "He is a wonderful man, a real nice guy and is devoted to his family.

"I had only seen him a few hours earlier because he had been with some of his children to my daughter's birthday party.

"We are completely devastated by what's happened and our prayers are with him and his family. We hope that he'll make a speedy recovery from his injuries."

Another neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "Ian is such a quiet and helpful man and we can't believe this has happened to him."

Detectives yesterday confirmed a 32-year-old woman and a man, also in his thirties, had both been charged with attempted murder in connection with the incident.