POLICE have launched a murder investigation after a man was found dead in a Southampton street.

Officers have arrested a 37-year-old man from Southampton on suspicion of murder after 32-year-old Nicholas James Beattie was found dead in Golden Grove, St Mary's on Friday afternoon.

The man remains in custody and is still being questioned by officers.

A post mortem examination conducted on Saturday, March 21 was inconclusive and results of more tests are awaited.

Three men, two aged 40 and one aged 42, were also arrested in connection with the death but have since been released without charge.

When they initially made the arrests, Hampshire police would not confirm what the men were arrested on suspicion of.

Detective Chief Inspector Becky Riggs, leading the investigation, said: “We are still treating the death as unexplained and awaiting further results from the post mortem which should help us establish what we are dealing with.

“We would continue to urge anyone who has any information or witnessed anything suspicious in Golden Grove on and around Friday lunchtime, and who is yet to speak to us, to please come forward straight away and call us on 101.”

Today uniformed officers are manning a mobile police station in Golden Grove to provide reassurance to locals.

Inspector Pete Jones, speaking directly to the St Mary's community, said: “We're in St Mary's today with the mobile police station and you'll also notice an increase in the amount of officers in the area during the rest of the week.

"We'd really like to hear about any concerns you've got about this incident or any other matters ongoing in the community, so please do come and speak to us.

“We're currently issuing updates through a number of outlets including social media, community leaders, councillors and the media. However, we'd like to hear your views on how you'd like to be kept up to date. Come and speak to us and let us know your thoughts.

“We are aware that there are some challenges in the area, and we want to reassure you that we take all reports of criminality and anti-social behaviour very seriously. If you have concerns, don't stay silent - please come and speak to us.”

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote Operation Screen or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.