UPDATED: Police have arrested a local 20-year-old man on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm following the discovery of a man with serious, life-threatening injuries in Newport during the early hours of this morning (Sunday).
The victim of what Police believe to be a serious assault, a 49-year-old man from Newport, remains in a critical and life-threatening condition in Southampton General Hospital this evening.
As first reported by Island Echo, Police erected a cordon on Upper St James’ Street in Newport town following the discovery of an unconscious male in the middle of the carriageway with serious head injuries at around 04:00. He was airlifted from St Mary’s Hospital to Southampton by Coastguard helicopter.
Detectives and forensic investigators from the mainland have spent the day examining the scene and piecing together the events of the incident, which have led to the arrest of the 20-year-old male from Newport. He remains in Police custody for questioning.
The cordon in the area of St James’ Street has now been removed.
UPDATE MONDAY – A second 20-year-old man and a 21-year-old man – both from Newport – have been arrested in relation to the ongoing investigation, which has been named Operation Smooth.
All 3 men have been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and are being questioned by Police.
UPDATE MONDAY @ 16:00 – A 20-year-old man and a 21-year-old man have been released without charge, however a 2o-year-old man remains in Police custody on suspicion of murder.
Further updates at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/news/island-man-dies-in-hospital-after-newport-assault.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 101 quoting incident 44160066009 / Operation Smooth or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
