RELATIVES of the two men who died in Southampton's tower block fall spoke last night of their heartache.

Both families said they were devastated by the tragedy at Shirley Towers, in which their sons plunged 70ft down a lift shaft to their deaths.

Daniel Digby, 25, of Wimpson Lane, Millbrook, and Michael Dawson, 27, of St Denys Road, Southampton, had been partying with a group of 13 friends in a top-floor flat before they apparently became involved in a scuffle on the landing.

Police believe the combined weight of the pair banging into the lift caused the doors to open, sending the men plummeting.

Both ended up on the roof of the lift, which had been stationery at the ground-floor.

Post-mortems at Southampton General Hospital confirmed both had died from multiple injuries consistent with the fall.

Today tributes were paid to both clerical worker Michael, a dance music fan who had been clubbing only hours before his death, and Daniel, who was well known among the close-knit community on Millbrook estate.

In a statement, Michael's father, Robert Dawson, said: "My family is devastated by this tragic accident.

"Only a few hours earlier Mike had been DJ-ing in a Southampton club. Playing and making music was Mike's life and we shall always miss him. We request that we are left alone to grieve."

Thoughts for Michael also went out at Southampton City Council, where his mother Caroline works.

Meanwhile Daniel's father, Nelson Digby, said: "They did not deserve to lose their lives in such a tragic way.

"I grieve for them both, as do all my family and friends. Until I know the full facts of the incident I have nothing more to say and respectfully request that I and my family are left alone to grieve."

It is believed Daniel was unemployed at the time of his death. An investigation into their deaths is still ongoing.