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 at the bottom of Rum Bridge on the A35 between Rushington Avenue and Rumbridge 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.

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

PC Laura Hardy from Southampton police station said: “Weare trying to establish howthemancame to be in the stream and howhis car came to be damaged.

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

Anyone with information about the incident shortly before 8pm on Tuesday, December 9, is asked to call PC hardy on 101.