A 102-year-old man who was allegedly assaulted at a pub in Cwmbran recently has sadly passed away in hospital.

The man, who can now be named as Phillip Ormerod, was from the town and was a beloved member of the community. Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the incident which was reported to have taken place at around 10.25pm on Saturday August 1.

The senior investigating officer in the case has urged the public not to speculate what could have caused Mr Ormerod’s death and to consider the impact any online commentary could have on his loved ones.

“We understand the public interest in this incident but want to remind people that not only is this an active criminal investigation but there is a family at heart of it processing the loss of a loved one,” DCI Shelley Comley said.

“Please consider the impact that inaccurate or speculative comments – particularly online commentary - could have on them and the ongoing investigation as a whole.”

A 56-year-old man from Llanelli in Carmarthenshire was arrested on suspicion of section 20 assault and released pending further investigations.

Supposed eyewitnesses had reported online that Mr Ormerod was a regular at the pub and was a well-liked member of the community. They had previously alleged that when he approached the band playing on that night to turn down their music, he was ‘pushed’ off the stage which was three steps tall and caused him to break hip.

While a police investigation into the incident is ongoing, the band that was playing at The Crow’s Nest on that night, Superhans - which is also based in Llanelli - has announced one of its members has left the band.

Anyone with any information or why may have been inside the pub between 10pm and 11pm on August 1 is urged to contact Gwent Police via the force’s social media channels, calling 101 or via the form on their website, quoting log reference 2600249432.

Crimestoppers also offer an anonymous service on 0800 555 111 or through the Crimestoppers website.