A MURDER investigation is underway today after a woman was found dead in her home.

The victim was in her 40s and was found dead at the house in Richville Road, Shirley, where she is thought to have lived with her family.

A man is also in hospital having been found inside the property with serious injuries.

He is currently in Southampton General Hospital where he is being treated.

A member of the public raised the alarm around 8.50am today and police attended the scene.

Fire crews were called in by police some two and a half hours later to act in advisory role because of fears of hazardous material on the scene.

A Home Office Pathologist is expected to carry out a Post-Mortem examination on the woman’s body tomorrow, (Monday, November 9).

A Hampshire police spokesman said detectives are currently trying to establish the circumstances leading to the woman’s death, which will include speaking to the injured man when he is medically fit to be interviewed.

Detective Inspector Dave Dilly who is leading the investigation said: “Early indications suggest that this incident does not involve anyone else other than those mentioned and members of the public should therefore not be concerned. We are however keeping an open mind until we have spoken to the man.”