A MAN who died after being hit by a taxi was seen by police and paramedics just before the fatal accident, it has emerged.

The death of Ali Farah Bullaleh who lived in Southampton, is now under investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission after it was discovered that the Somali national had made contact with the emergency services before his death.

So far the investigation has revealed that Mr Bullaleh was involved in some form of assault near to the junction of Bevois Valley Road and Mount Pleasant Road in the city, which prompted him to contact police and the ambulance service at about 2.30am on November 12.

Paramedics and police officers responded and spoke to Mr Bullaleh about the incident. After they left him, Mr Bullaleh was captured on closed-circuit TV walking along Bevois Valley Road and talking to two people before crossing the street, where he collapsed in the road.

Two cars were seen swerving to avoid his body but he was then struck by a taxi at about 3.45am. An ambulance was called and he was taken to Southampton General Hospital, but was pronounced dead just under an hour later.

The IPCC has sent a commissioner to Southampton to speak with the Somali community and Mr Bullaleh's family.

The taxi driver who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been bailed pending further inquiries.

IPCC commissioner Rebecca Marsh said: "I would like to offer Mr Bullaleh's family and friends my condolences and assure them that our investigation will be a search for the truth into the events of that night.

"I have decided this should be investigated independently using IPCC investigators due to the very serious nature of the incident and the clear concerns of the community.

"I met with Somali community leaders to listen to their concerns and explain the IPCC role and powers.

"The IPCC investigation will also consider the actions of the ambulance service personnel as well as the police officers.

"We have a clear duty, in the public interest, to obtain the fullest possible answers to all the questions that are raised by this disturbing incident."

The IPCC would like to hear from anyone who witnessed any of the incidents leading up to the fatal accident, or from either of the two people Mr Bullaleh spoke to minutes before the accident.

Both Hampshire police and ambulance bosses declined to comment in light of the IPCC investigation.

Anyone who has information can call the IPCC investigation team on 020 7166 3991.