Tributes to head injury death man

Police say a taxi driver seen nearby may be a vital witness

A man who died when he struck his head after being punched to the ground has received tributes from his loved ones.

Simon Bampton, aged 28, and a construction worker from Southampton, was assaulted in Marsh Street, Bristol, just after 0230 BST on 19 August.

His girlfriend Natasha Matthews said: "Simon was the love of my life - he was perfect in every way."

His father Stan and sister Amanda said: "He was our rock, and was always there when you needed him."

Police said two men were walking along Marsh Street when they were involved in an altercation.

Vital witness

A man got out of a car and punched Mr Bampton to the ground, causing him to hit his head.

He was taken to the Bristol Royal Infirmary where he later died.

An appeal for witnesses has been made.

Det Supt Andy Williams of Bristol CID said they were keen to speak to a taxi driver who was seen nearby at the time of the incident.

"It is possible that this taxi driver did not realise how serious this assault was and we urge them to speak to us as they could be a vital witness," he said.

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Police examine CCTV footage