THEY are vital witnesses who may have seen a Good Samaritan seriously injured when he ran to the aid of a man being attacked.

The 48-year-old man ran across the road after seeing a gang beating up a man who was lying on the floor.

As he separated the crowd he was smacked in the leg by one of the attackers brandishing a wheel brace.

The victim, a hard-working dad who lives in Southampton, was forced to undergo surgery on his knee and continues to have ongoing problems with a displaced kneecap, which has metal plates inserted in it.

Now, eight months after the attack, detectives are looking for the last witnesses caught on CCTV at a nearby garage to come forward with information.

The victim, a Saints fan, had been at St Mary's football stadium on the afternoon of Saturday, August 11, to see his team take on Crystal Palace.

The fight broke out in Northam Road, near the Jet petrol station and opposite Northam Social Club, where the victim had been standing outside.

He watched a group of about five men beating up another man who was lying on the ground and went to help.

It was when he broke up the group that one of them struck him in the knee.

The incident happened between 5.30pm and 6.30pm and ended with the man being taken to hospital.

DC Sue Hampton, from Bitterne CID, said: "We really need to trace these people as we believe they may be vital witnesses to what happened on the road outside.

"The victim is still troubled as a result of the grievous injuries he suffered as he went to the aid of another man."

Are you one of the customers pictured in these images at the petrol station or do you recognise someone who is? Call Bitterne CID on 0845 045 4545.