THE man in charge of an investigation into how a man died in Southampton after being seen by police officers and paramedics has made a personal appeal for witnesses.

Ian Bynoe, the region's Independent Police Complaints Commissioner, came to the city accompanied by three investigators yesterday to highlight the case of Ali Farah Bullaleh.

The 41-year-old Somali national, who lived in Southampton, died after he collapsed in Bevois Valley Road and was struck by a taxi during the early hours of November 12.

It has emerged that Mr Bullaleh contacted the police and ambulance service an hour before his death when he was involved in an assault near to the junction of Bevois Valley Road and Mount Pleasant Road.

After the emergency services left, Mr Bullaleh was captured on CCTV cameras talking to two men for around 15 minutes.

Mr Bynoe stressed that the commission knew the pair had nothing to do with Mr Bullaleh's death, but said any information they have could help with the ongoing independent inquiry.

"Before we move on to the final stage of the investigation I think it's important to find these guys," said Mr Bynoe.

"They are two important witnesses whose recollections could provide important evidence to us. These men may recognise themselves or someone close to them may know who they are."

The commission's investigators have put up posters in pubs, shops and clubs around the Bevois Valley and St Mary's area appealing for help in locating the two potential witnesses.

An independent investigation into Mr Bullaleh's death is being held because he was seen by police officers shortly before his death.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the IPCC on 020 7166 3991 or email southampton.wit ness@ipcc.gov.uk.