Victim named in churchyard murder

11:32am Wednesday 27th February 2008

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By Duncan Eaton »

DETECTIVES have named the Gosport man whose death is now at the centre of a murder inquiry.

He was 44-year-old William Wickham of Hammond Court, South Street, Gosport.

His body was found on Monday night in the churchyard at Holy Trinity Church A 47-year-old man from Gosport has been arrested in connection with this incident and is currently helping police with their enquiries.

The Trinity Green area was cordoned off and detailed forensic examinations of the scene and surrounding area continued throughout yesterday.

Police also conducted house to house enquiries and are reviewing CCTV footage.

Detective Chief Inspector Scott Chilton said: "At this stage it appears the man died following a serious assault. It appears that this was an unprovoked attack on an innocent man and the motive of this attack is currently unclear.

"I know there were people in the area when this incident took place who may have seen or heard something. I know there are people in the community who may have heard something and haven't yet come forward. It is absolutely essential that these people contact the police, no matter how insignificant you may think the information may be, please contact us.

"We know this incident occurred at some time between 9.30pm and 10.30pm, however we would also appeal to anyone who was in the area before this time, who may have seen something suspicious.

"The person or people responsible for this offence may be acting differently. Have you noticed any of your family members of friends acting strangely? Have you noticed anyone with blood on their clothes? No matter how insignificant you think your information may be, you need to come forward."

A post mortem examination was due to take place at 2pm yesterday at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester.

Anyone with any information about this incident is urged to contact the Operation Gomer incident room at Fratton police station on 0845 045 45 45 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.