POLICE investigating the brutal murder of a Southampton dad have made an eighth arrest.

Michael Freshwater was found dead in a flat in Westridge Road, Portswood, on Friday afternoon and officers say the murder may be drug related.

Seven arrests had been made as the murder probe continues and now a 30-year-old woman from Southampton has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

Earlier in the week a 23-year-old woman from the city was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

A 24-year-old man from the city was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and assisting an offender.

Both have been released and bailed until July 6.

A 22-year-old Southampton man arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs has been bailed until July 5.

On Saturday police arrested a 26-year-old man from the city on suspicion of murder, and he has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Twenty six-year-old Ashton Singh, of Westridge Road, has appeared in court charged with perverting the course of justice and has been remanded in custody.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Becky Riggs said: “We are continuing to follow up all lines of enquiry in order to ascertain exactly what happened that day in Westridge Road.

“We have arrested and questioned a number of people as part of this investigation and we are utilising a significant amount of resources to secure evidence and get justice for Michael and his family.

“We continue to appeal for information and would like to encourage anyone who may be able to assist us in this investigation to get in contact with us in confidence. Call 101 and quote Operation Windless.”

Alternatively anyone with information can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.