Police have launched an investigation after a woman's body was found in a house in Deerleap Close, Hythe

Officers were alerted to an address in Deerleap Close, Hythe, to a report of a concern for welfare.

On arrival they found the body of a deceased 82-year-old woman inside.

An 83-year-old man at the same address was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition and is currently receiving treatment.

A post mortem to establish the cause of death will be carried out in due course, a police spokesman said.

A file is currently being prepare by officers for the coroner.

The police was unable to release further information at this time.

Neighbours in the quiet cul-de-sac spoke of their shock as police continued to mount a presence outside the semi-detached house.

One woman said she returned from a trip to Southampton to find six police cars in the road.

A man living almost opposite the house added: "I went home at 8pm on Wednesday and was woken by the police banging on my door just before midnight. They asked me if I'd seen anything but I hadn't.

"We had forensics people here all day yesterday. They were wearing white boiler suits with hoods and masks but no-one knows anything."

The couple, believed to be members of the Hythe Club, are thought to have lived in the house since it was built in 1968.

Neighbours said they used to go dancing until about a year ago and often went shopping together.

One woman said: "I didn't know anything about it until the next day. I've heard a rumour that the old lady has died and her husband was by her side.

"I can't understand why the police are still here."

Another Deerleap close resident added: "They,re a very nice unAssuming couple who have lived here for many years.

"All we know is that there's been an incident and that she has died."

A South Central Ambulance Service spokesman said crews were called to the property on at around 9pm on Wednesday to reports of a medical emergency.

It sent a community responder, an ambulance officer, and an ambulance crew.

The spokesman said the man was taken to Southampton General Hospital in a life-threatening condition.

This morning a police car was still parked outside the house.