Police continue inquiry into murder of Kevin Wyeth in Woolston alley

Tributes have been paid to Kevin Wyeth after his body was found in Woolston in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Detectives say the 31-year-old died from head, neck and facial injuries and have launched a murder inquiry.

Two people – a 25-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man – had been arrested on suspicion of his murder.

Police said today that woman has been released without charge continues to assist police as a witness in this investigation and is receiving specialist support by officers.

An ambulance crew made the discovery after they were called to the alleyway in Defender Road at about 2.15am.

Despite their best efforts to revive Mr Wyeth, pictured below, they pronounced him dead at the scene and police launched an investigation.

The road was cordoned off and officers carried out door to door enquiries in the early hours of the morning as they searched for information about his death.

A tent was erected at the site where his body was found, and forensics experts spent the day carrying out a painstaking hunt for clues.

Sniffer dogs were deployed to help them, while a telephone box in nearby Bridge Road was examined by experts and a minibus parked next to the alley way was taken away for further investigation.

A post-mortem by a Home Office pathologist revealed that Mr Wyeth, from Kingsclere Avenue, died from injuries to his head, face and neck.

Police confirmed that they were not looking for a weapon in relation to his murder.

A 25-year-old woman from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday morning, and was interviewed by detectives over the course of the weekend before being release without charge today.

Yesterday morning, a 31-year-old man from Bournemouth was also arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

Officers investigating his death have urged anyone who saw Mr Wyeth on Friday night and into the early hours of Saturday to contact them as they try to piece together what happened.

Police have not revealed how or why Mr Wyeth was in Defender Road or any motive for killing him.

Inspector Alex Reading, pictured below,  said: “We are continuing to follow up a number of enquiries as part of our investigation.

“A key part of our enquiry is focusing on the hours before Kevin was found in the alleyway.”

Detective Inspector Ellie Hurd, who is leading the investigation, said: “We know he was seen in Wharncliffe Road around 10.30pm and we want to hear from anyone who may have seen or spoken to Kevin between 10.30pm on Friday evening and 2.30am on Saturday when he was found in the alleyway off Defender Road, near to the cut through with Tankerville Road.

“He was wearing a white sweatshirt with blue lettering across the chest, dark trousers and carrying a white carrier bag.

“Did you see Kevin? Did you speak to him?

“If you have any information that can help us, please get in touch.”

Even before the police cordon was finally lifted at around midday yesterday, floral tributes had been left near to the spot where his body was found.

One said “The nicest person I know, see you soon hun” while another read “Kevin you will be missed by us all. You’re in our thoughts.”

Another simply said “Kevin, what a legend.”

Friend Eddy Mattison put a Saints shirt at the spot, and wrote on it: “RIP. We will always miss you.

Woolston boys forever.”

Friends have his also taken to the Daily Echo website to post tributes.

One, writing as Southampton22, said: “RIP Kev can’t believe you are gone, u was like a second brother to me I will always remember u forever and always and of course so sorry to your family for their loss.”

Another, writing as sotongirl22, said: “RIP Kev. Still so shocked such a kind hearted man and a devoted dad you will be missed so much.

“Never forgotten mate hope justice is served for you.”

Another using the name itsnotjustice wrote: “Kev was a good bloke, everyone who met him will say the same thing.

“He was a good dad and taken away way too soon.”

Friend Wendy Longman said: “He was on the bus on Tuesday sat next to me, saying he had just started work and he was enjoying it.

“And he was all excited because he was going to see his kids and buy them some things.

“What a sad loss to his family and friends.”

Anyone with information should contact the Hampshire Major Investigation Team at Southampton Central Station, quoting Operation Stem, on 101.