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The great-grandfather has been described as a 'lovely' by locals

A 102-year-old pensioner who died after an alleged assault at a pub has been described as a "character" by his son.

Great-grandfather Phillip Ormerod, from Cwmbran in Wales, died in hospital this week following an incident at the Crow's Nest pub on August 1.

Mr Ormerod was taken to hospital in a critical condition on August 1 after emergency services were called to the estalishment around 10.25pm.

A 56-year-old man was arrested at the time on suspicion of Section 20 assault (unlawfully and maliciously wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm) and was released under investigation.

The centenarian's son Robert Ormerod has said his father suffered from dementia, living alone in Llanyrafon, where he brought up his family.

Working as a design draughtsman before his retirement, he continued living in the area following the death of his wife 40 years ago.

A regular at the town's Crow's Nest pub, Mr Ormerod has been described as a popular character, who would buy beers for the younger punters when visiting the drinking establishment.

Locals described him as "lovely" but "confused", often visiting the pub, which is where he held this 100th birthday party.

His son said: "I feel sad – even though he could be difficult because of his age and dementia, still, you get used to him being around.

"Even though I suppose he wouldn’t go on forever, he would’ve carried on, I think for a bit."

Gwent Police confirmed today the great-grandfather has died.

Mr Ormerod said: "I used to visit him regularly, and then towards the end me and my brother used to keep the house clean as best we could and buy his food because his eyesight had deteriorated.

"(He was diagnosed with dementia) a couple of years ago, he probably had it before that.

"He’s well-known around here, although a lot of his generation are gone."

Detective Chief Inspector Shelley Comley, Senior Investigating Officer for Gwent Police, said: "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 the heart of it processing the loss of a loved one.

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

The Crow's Nest is well-known for its live music events, with live bands and karaoke on weekends.

A spokesman for the pub said: "The Crows Nest is aware of the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of a gentleman connected with recent events.

"As this is a police matter, we will not be commenting further on the details of the incident at this time.

"Anyone who witnessed the incident or may have relevant information is asked to contact the police directly.

"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends and all those affected by this sad loss."

Gwent Police are urging anyone who was at the pub between 10pm and 11pm on August 1 to come forward.

Anyone with information can get in touch with the force by calling 101, quoting log reference 2600249432.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be approached anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their website.