A COMMUNITY says it is living in fear after a murder probe was launched on a Southampton estate – just weeks after a vicious stabbing in the same area.

Last night there was a major police presence in Golden Grove, St Mary’s, as officers looked to reassure frightened residents following the death of Nick Beattie (pictured), whose body was found on a pathway at the estate on Friday afternoon.

A 37-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of murder on Saturday following the discovery and remains in police custody.

Throughout the day police officers were on patrol on foot and on push bikes to provide a visible presence in the area following the latest incident.

Three weeks ago a 34-year-old man was stabbed in the chest at the same estate, as reported by the Daily Echo.

A blue mobile police unit was put up next to the nearby Albion Towers block of flats, which was occupied by a PCSO, who provided information to concerned residents in the area. Residents were seen entering the unit throughout the day.

In the morning a single bouquet of flowers lay at the spot where Mr Beattie was found and by lunchtime a second bouquet had been placed next to it with a handwritten message.

The tribute from mourners called Mandy and Ollie read: “Unbelievable! Goodnight mate. God bless”

Daily Echo:

Passers-by were seen stopping to look at the spot where the flowers were placed.

As officers stepped up their appeal for information posters were put up through homes in the area seeking people to come forward with information that could help with their on-going inquiries.

Mr Beattie’s body was discovered just yards away from St Mary’s C of E Primary School and the estate is used by parents to walk their children through to reach St Mary’s Street.

Only metres away from the crime scene is a children’s play area, which was used by young children throughout yesterday.

Many residents in the estate gathered to talk about the latest incident in their community.

John Storey, 75, has lived in Golden Grove for 41 years and said the area has got worse.

He said: “It used to be a good area.

“It’s a shock to hear about a murder investigation, especially with the stabbing here not so long ago.

“It’s sad to see this happen on your door step.

“Everyone thinks the same thing. I wish I’d moved away a long time ago now but at 75 I am too old to move.”

Some members of the community said they were left in the dark by police in the days following the discovery.

One Golden Grove resident, who did not want to be named, said: “The police presence here has been 24 hours a day.

Daily Echo:

“People are frightened. We are frightened to let children out.

“Most people that live round here are law abiding, go to work, and it’s a shame because a small minority cause trouble for everyone.”

A woman who lives in Albion Towers, but did not want to be named, said: “Why are these people here?

“In two years, in this area, we have had a shooting, a stabbing, and now this.

“It’s all in this area. It is getting a reputation.”

Another Golden Grove resident, who lives metres away from where Mr Beattie was found, said she saw his body on the floor from her home.

She said: “We are feeling safe now with all the police outside but it has been bad round here for the last two years.

“We are all pensioners around here. The police need to be doing more.