Street brawl victim remains critical

A man was attacked after he came out of his house

Thirteen people arrested following a street fight which left a man critical, have been released on police bail.

A 21-year-old man - who has not yet been named - is undergoing surgery at Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr, having suffered serious head and facial injuries.

A group was taken to Blackwood Police Station

Police said the victim went out of his house into West Street in Bargoed, in the south Wales Valleys, just before midnight when a major disturbance broke out among a crowd of people who had just left a pub or club

It is not known exactly how, but he somehow became involved in the incident and was left in what police have described as an "horrific" condition.

Staff at the hospital's intensive care unit said that his condition has slightly improved and that he was now critical but stable.

Two other people were slightly hurt in the incident.

An investigation into the circumstances leading up to the incident are continuing.

The 13 people arrested will now have to report to variou police stations in the Gwent force area in three to four months' time.

"It is absolutely vital for anyone who was in West Street and saw the disturbance to come forward," said Detective Inspector Mike Jones who is heading the inquiry.