An inquest has been opened into the death grandfather who passed away following a rival biker gang brawl in Pontnewynydd.

Anthony ‘Tony’ Jones, 56, died at the University Hospital of Wales on August 7, a day after he was injured during the disorder. The inquest heard he had sustained a head injury.

Mr Jones, an NVQ assessor, was unconscious and unresponsive when he was taken to hospital.

Gwent Police said 25 men have been arrested in connection with the reported violent disorder.

The men, aged between 18 and 73, have been arrested for offences linked to the incident.

A 40-year-old man from the Torfaen area was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Police have previously said they believe the disorder involved members of two rival Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs, the Vikings and the Hells Angels.

The inquest opening heard that Mr Jones had suffered a head injury.

The findings of a post-mortem examination are still awaited, pending further tests.

Following his death, Mr Jones’s family said he would be “loved and missed more than words can ever express”.

They said: “Anthony was, first and foremost, a much-loved husband and devoted dad.

“To us, he wasn’t a name in a news story – he was our Anthony, and the hole he has left in our family is impossible to put into words.

“He was incredibly hardworking and always made sure his family was provided for.

“Sarah and the children were at the centre of his world, and he absolutely doted on them.

“He was immensely proud of his children and loved them beyond measure.”

Mr Jones was also a grandfather, known affectionately to his grandchildren as ‘Grumpy’.

His family said he “adored his grandchildren” and was “incredibly proud of them”.

They added: “Being their Grumpy was another very special part of the family life he loved so much.

“Anthony was always up for a laugh and loved nothing more than spending time with his family.

“We have so many happy memories of days out together, but some of our most treasured memories are the simplest ones – at home, music playing, laughing and dancing together during one of our many kitchen discos.

“Our lives have changed forever. Sarah has lost her husband and the children have lost their dad, and they are trying to comprehend a future they never imagined having to face.”

The family also appealed for privacy as they grieve.

“We understand there will be public interest surrounding Anthony’s death, but we ask people to remember that behind everything being written and spoken about is a grieving family,” they said.

“Whatever else may be said, nothing changes the husband, father and Grumpy Anthony was to his family or how deeply he was loved.

“We respectfully ask that Sarah, the children and Anthony’s wider family are given the privacy and compassion they need to grieve.

“Anthony will be loved and missed more than words can ever express.

“We will hold onto the laughter, the family days out, the kitchen discos and all the memories we were lucky enough to make together.”