VIDEO: Treherbert dad 'left for dead' fears if gang caught they'll only be charged with robbery

Alex Evans from Treherbert was just two days into a 'stag do' holiday with friends when he was robbed and knifed three times in the Albufeira area of Portugal.

Both Alex and his partner Leah Thomas couldn't believe it when weeks later another man, Joel Collins from Merthyr was attacked. He's still in hospital.

Alex told us: "We had a really nice day there. We went to the beach, just the general holiday stuff. The night was going really well too until I lost my friends. I decided to walk back to where I was staying. I got to the top of the strip and there was a group of boys started following me. As I crossed the road, that's the last thing I can remember. Obviously, I was attacked. I feel like I was beaten up as well. I have got a big cut on the back of my head, and I had a black eye."

The thieves targeted Alex for his mobile phone, watch and wallet. He was stabbed three times and left for dead. He was found between a bin and a van. There is very little information available surrounding the incident. All the police records are also in Portuguese, so it has been very difficult for Alex to get a clear picture. He told us: "We've traced my phone calls. I phoned my friend at about 5.00am and we've contacted the boy who found me, and he said he was there for about 6.00am. So, we think I was there for about between an hour and 45 minutes before an ambulance crew took me to the hospital."

Alex is awaiting a follow up on his case with the police in Portugal and has told us if anyone is arrested, he has been told they will be charged with robbery. He says that would be devastating as he was stabbed and 'left for dead.' Alex has been advised by his doctor to take up to six months off from work to enable him to fully recover.

He is trying to move on from the incident but still gets flashbacks. " I can't remember the attack, I can't remember anything that I week, but then I'll get a flashback of being in hospital. Being told I was stabbed and the first night there was quite dramatic after being coming around."

The father of one's biggest concern since returning to the UK has been the fear that this will happen to someone else. At the start of the month his friend who lives in Merthyr contacted him and told him that Joel Collins had been attacked. He says "It's really upsetting this happened again. Especially when it’s the same as me. Just walking home and I know they say you should not split up from your friends, but when it's an accident and you've got to walk home - you just have to. You shouldn't have to worry about being targeted like that, really.

Alex doesn't believe these are one off incidents. He fears lone male holidaymakers are being targeted by a gang. He told us "We've heard of different stories from different parts. I said when I was out there to my parents it's going to happen again, and I didn't think it would happen as soon as it have and you know to someone who's who lives as close to us as that."

It's had a huge impact on Alex's partner Leah and their son Harry. Leah says: "I wouldn't wish it on anyone. It's an awful thing to go through. I didn't know if Harry would grow up without a father. If me and him would be on our own for the rest of our lives. It was awful.

Alex hopes his case will raise awareness and help Joel's family get the support they need during this difficult time. The Foreign Office has told us they are helping Joel's family and are in contact with local authorities.

Friends of Joel Collins have set up a Go Fund Me page with almost nine thousand pounds raised so far.