POLICE watchdog investigators are appealing for witnesses as it investigates the death of a Hampshire medical student.

They want to speak to anyone who was present when officers were called to Heathfield Road, Chandler's Ford, on June 27, after Doug Ferguson, 19, was taken ill there between 6.30am and 7.30am.

The Bristol University first year medical student died later at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester.

As reported in the Daily Echo the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating because Mr Ferguson had been “in contact” with police before his death.

They are looking at the circumstances surrounding “police involvement with the deceased, including restraint techniques used, from the point officers arrived at the address”.

Commissioner Mike Franklin said: “Our investigation is at an early stage and we need to speak with anyone who was in the area at the time officers attended the address and assisted ambulance staff with the man.

“We have a family liaison manager working with the man's family and our role and how the investigation will proceed has been explained to them.

“In order to assist us in obtaining answers for this young man's family I urge anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident to come forward.”

Hampshire Police have arrested a 19-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of supplying controlled drugs.

They have been released on bail until September 5.

Post-mortem test results were inconclusive and further tests are being carried out.