Armed police are hunting a man who is believed to have attacked a woman at a well-known beauty spot.
Anthony Manson, 65, is understood to have gone on the run after the brutal attack, which is believed to have taken place at his caravan in a field where he lives off grid.
Armed police officers have spent the day surrounding the field and searching a nearby forest in Tintern, Monmouthshire.
Mr Manson is believed to be accompanied by his powerful-looking cano corso dog.
At least two police vans, four other cop vehicles and an ambulance currently line the narrow valley road that runs alongside the two-acre field he bought from a local farmer for £60,000 seven years ago in Tintern, Monmouthshire.
A spokesperson for Gwent Police has confirmed officers are searching for Mr Manson and have asked the public not to approach him.
Anthony Manson, 65, is understood to have gone on the run after the brutal attack
The drama began in the early hours of this morning after a woman wearing ripped clothing and covered in cuts and bruises claimed she had been held hostage and repeatedly attacked at the man’s caravan.
A local who came to her aid contacted the police who immediately launched a helicopter and flew above the site, on the side of the picturesque Angiddy Valley, backed up by armed officers.It is not known whether or not the man is holed up in his caravan or any of the buildings in his field.
Locals believe he may instead have gone on the run in the sprawling Tintern Forest behind his land.
A relative of the man who came to the woman’s aid said: ‘She was hysterical and covered in blood from cuts and bruises on her face and body, and her clothes had rips in them.
‘He found her in the lane and helped her. She hadn’t initially wanted him to call the police. She kept saying, “he’ll kill me, he’ll kill me.”
‘She said he’d held her hostage at the caravan for several weeks and attacked her. He was trying to kill her, she said.’
Anthony’s nearest neighbour, retired consultant engineer Barry Saunders, 82, said the attack sounded ‘extremely out of character’.
Mr Saunders said: ‘ I’ve got to know him a little over the years and I’ve always found him to be the most pleasant, charming man.’
He does seem to have lady friends staying with him quite frequently. They come and they go.
‘He lives off grid and he doesn’t bother anyone. He has solar panels and his own generator and he uses water from a nearby brook to wash and cook.
Armed police officers have spent the day surrounding the field and searching a nearby forest in Tintern, Monmouthshire (file image)
‘I’ve never known him show any sign of aggression.
‘I don’t know a great deal about him, but I think he told me once that he was from Paraguay, or somewhere in South America, but he has no trace of a foreign accent.
‘He has two Italian mastiff-type dogs and they are strong, potentially fierce dogs, but he always has them perfectly under control.
‘I do know the council have sent officials, usually accompanied by the police, to his field several times because he doesn’t have any consent to live there, and they always turn back because they are afraid of the dogs.
‘They have also been unable to get in because he has a huge padlocked gate at the entrance and he won’t come out to anybody.’
A Gwent Police spokesperson said: ‘We’re appealing for information to find Anthony Manson, also known as Tony and Antonio.
‘Our officers would like to speak to the 65-year-old in connection with a report of a serious domestic incident in the Tintern area.
‘The victim is safe and accessed support from specially trained officers.
‘Anthony is described as of slim build with a grey beard. He is believed to have a Cano Corso dog with him.’
Leading officer Chief Superintendent Ian Roberts said: ‘Our officers have been in the Tintern area since the early hours of this morning, Monday 12 June, to search a buildings in a wooded area and carry out enquiries to find Anthony.
‘Specially trained firearms officers attended as a precaution to ensure the safety of everyone.
‘Officers will remain in the Tintern area as the investigation progresses so please do not be alarmed. If you have any concerns or information then please stop and talk with us.’
