A FRESH witness appeal has been launched as mystery surrounds how a man fell from a bridge and plunged 15ft into a river below.

As reported, witnesses have spoken about the frantic rescue attempt to save the man's life after he was spotted in a stream the bottom of Rum Bridge on the A35 between Rushington Avenue and Rembridge Street.

Two men waded into the water to try and hold his head out and stop him drowning.

The witness said that the fire service was then called as the man needed specialist help to get him out of the muddy area in which he was lying.

The 34-year-old man from Totton was taken to Southampton General Hospital by ambulance where he remains in a serious condition.

But police then found his car, a black Renault Clio, was located with damage and the air bag deployed nearby on the A35.

PC Laura Hardy from Southampton police station said: “We are trying to establish how the man came to be in the stream and how his car came to be damaged.

“Did you see a black Renault Clio being driven near to the location or anyone near to the bridge?

“At this time we do not believe that anyone else was involved in this incident but we need to keep an open mind until we can establish all the facts.”

If you have any information about the incident on Tuesday, December 9, shortly before 8pm, which may help establish what happened please call PC Hardy at Southampton police station on 101. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.