A SOUTHAMPTON community has expressed its shock after the death of a young woman sparked a murder investigation.

Cherie Hayward, 31, was pronounced dead at her home in Nichols Road on Saturday after her lifeless body was found in her bedroom.

A post-mortem examination into the cause of her death came back inconclusive yesterday and officers are awaiting the results of toxicology tests.

Daily Echo:

As reported by the Daily Echo, her partner Brian Thompson, 61, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

He protested his innocence after being released from custody on bail having spent hours being questioned by police.

But the shock of her death still lingers in Nichols Road.

Rizwana Rafique, who works for Rafique’s newsagents in nearby Derby Road, said Ms Hayward regularly shopped in the store.

Daily Echo:

She said: “She used to come in here quite a lot.

“She moved around the area a few times but has been at her place for more than a year.

“I saw her on Saturday and she told me she had fallen down the stairs two to three weeks ago – she was on crutches.

“Her dad passed away and she was upset about that.

“She was a nice lady but sometimes people have their problems. It’s really sad.”

Steven George, who lives in Nichols Road, said: “I got home from work and saw all these police cars. I didn’t know her but it’s a surprise. It’s usually pretty quiet round here.”

Saf Hoque, also of Nichols Road, said: “We saw the police and ambulance outside the house, and it was cordoned off. We saw the forensic team out too. It’s quiet round here.

“You get the usual vandalism but something like this hasn’t happened for around 15 or 20 years.”

Misbah Rehman, also of Nichols Road, said: “We have only just moved to this road but it is a surprise. It’s absolutely a shock.”

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “A post-mortem examination conducted yesterday proved inconclusive and officers await the result of toxicology tests.”

They added her family is being supported by a family liaison officer