A BARRY man has said he was worried he was going to die after he was stabbed outside a nightclub and rushed to hospital, where he needed three blood transfusions.

Louis Mills, 21, had out been with friends at a UK grime music event, featuring artist Cadet, at Barcocoa, in Broad Street, on Saturday, December 15, through to the following morning.

But his attempt to intervene in a group of men bothering another man near the Hood Road bridge outside the club led to him being rushed to Cardiff’s University Hospital of Wales, where he underwent an emergency four-hour operation.

He told the Barry & District News that he had seen six men bothering a man in the smoking area of the venue and told them to leave the man alone.

“They started on him and I got involved,” he said.

“I stood back up and didn’t realise I’d been stabbed."

He added: "I tried to get back into the club, but was refused.

"I started walking towards Broad Street.

"There was blood on my hands. I don’t remember the pain. It must have been the adrenaline.”

Two of Mr Mills’ friends stayed with him as he drifted in and out of consciousness before the ambulance arrived.

Following the successful surgery, in which he needed three blood transfusions, Mr Mills is recovering at home - but is in pain and finding walking difficult.

“It was pretty scary,” he said. “The wound was four inches deep on my side. Police said they found a screwdriver.

“Mentally, I don’t feel good at all. I could have died.”

He thanked his mum and his ex-girlfriend Kaitlyn Anderson for their support.

Mum Tracey Salmoni, 47, said the phone call in the early hours had been a shock.

“I wouldn’t wish this on anybody,” she said, urging people to assist police with the investigation.

The club has said it has cancelled its next two grime music events following the incident.

Speaking last week, owner Scott Walters said: “It’s a shame that a few lads can spoil it for the rest as we have been doing the events for three years now and it has earned us Best Night Club 2018 Welsh Hospitality award winners.

“Sadly, bad news travels faster and further that the good stuff we do.”

Police have said investigations are ongoing and anyone who witnessed the incident, which took place at about 1.55 am on December 16, can contact them on 101 quoting incident 1800473605.

A South Wales Police spokeswoman said: “South Wales Police are investigating an assault which took place outside Bar Cocoa in Broad Street, Barry, at around 1.55am on Sunday, December 16.

A 21-year-old local man sustained a puncture wound and was taken to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, for treatment. An investigation is ongoing and witnesses should contact 101 quoting 1800473605 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.