Friends have spoken of their shock after a murder investigation was launched following the death of a teenager.

The victim, named locally as 18-year-old Jay Benton, was found in cardiac arrest at a property in Frescade Crescent, Basingstoke, yesterday afternoon.

He was taken to the local North Hampshire Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A 14-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Roger Michaelson wrote on Twitter: ''RIP Jay Benton. He was just one of them guys that you can instantly get along with. Thoughts are with mates and his family x''

Catherine Royle said: ''Literally can't believe it. Rest in peace Jay Benton.''

And Ciara Finan posted: ''I just remember his cheeky grin always getting into trouble. So, so sad.''

Stanley Bird, 72, who lives in Frescade Crescent, said: ''Things like this do not happen in Frescade Crescent. It is a very quiet area.

''We have all been here for 30 years or more. It's a nice area and people do not want to move out. It's a shock to the system.''

Hampshire Police's major investigation team has launched an investigation into the teenager's death, codenamed Operation Plate.

Results of a post-mortem examination carried out by a Home Office pathologist to find out his cause of death are expected later.

House to house inquiries were being carried out in Frescade Crescent, but a police spokesman said no-one else was being sought at this time.

The two suspects - both from Basingstoke - were being held in police custody where they were being quizzed by officers.

Police said they were speaking to Mr Benton's next of kin as they appealed to anyone with information to call them on 101.