Murder of Kevin Wyeth leaves a community in shock

Residents living in or near to Defender Road expressed their disbelief and shock after news of the discovery of his body emerged on Saturday morning.

Residents were woken up in the early hours by police officers investigating his death, while the inquiry saw their roads closed off for more than 24 hours.

Taxi driver Martin Heyward, who lives in D e f e n d e r Walk, was one of those who experienced life in the police cordon.

He said: “I would normally be at work in the early hours of the morning, but I wasn’t working and I was still awake when the police arrived.

“I looked out of the window and there was an ambulance and police cars.

“A police officer came to my door at 3am or 4am and asked if we had heard anything.

“I was a bit worried when I heard that someone had died.”

Peartree ward councillor Paul Lewzey, pictured, who represents Defender Road, said: “It’s a shock as it’s a nice area.

“It’s normally quite quiet around here and I would hope that the impact hasn’t been too bad for the people living in the street.”

Pensioner Brenda Cox said news of the death had sent shock waves through the community.

The Bridge Road resident said: “I’m shocked something like this has happened. Certainly nothing like this has happened in the 63 years I’ve been living here.”

Tina, another Woolston resident who requested that her surname be withheld, said: “It’s tragic, I feel for their family.

It’s so, so sad.”