POLICE investigating the murder of a pensioner in her Southampton flat are appealing for three people to come forward and help with their enquiries.

The Major Investigation Team are investigating the murder of 85 year old Delia Hughes in her Atlantic Close home in Ocean Village.

The first person is a man who was sighted by a resident of Atlantic Close at around 9.30am on Saturday, August 18, the day that the body of Mrs Hughes was found. T

he man, who is not known to be a resident of the area, walked from Atlantic Close towards Tasman Close.

He is described as white, aged between 25 and 30 years old, of a very slim build and 'nimble and bouncy' on his feet, according to officers. He is approximately 5ft 8 and was wearing a blue or dark grey hooded jacket or cagoule which was zipped at the front.

The other two people detectives would like to speak to are a couple, a man and a woman, who were seen in the area by residents on several occasions in the preceding days to the murder.

The man appears to have a foot or leg injury as he walks with crutches with a mid-calf height white plaster cast or heavy bandage on his right leg.

He is also described as white and aged mid to late 20s with a medium build and about 5ft 9. he has short, unkempt facial hair and was seen wearing jeans and a t-shirt. He speaks with a local ‘southern’ accent.

The woman with him is also described as white, approximately 5ft 5 tall with long dark straight shoulder length hair.

It is not known whether this couple are residents of the area and live on the Atlantic Close peninsula, or whether they have been visiting local residents.

Detective Superintendent Tony Harris said: “Details about these people has come to us from members of the public. It is essential that we identify and speak to them, as potentially, they could hold vital information that will assist the enquiry team. If you are one of these people, know who they are or if they have visited you in your Ocean Village home, please contact us.”

As the investigation continues, specialist officers conducted a shallow water search around the Ocean Village Marina today, Thursday, August 23, for anything that could be linked to the murder of Mrs Hughes.

  • Anyone who can assist the investigation team is asked to contact the enquiry team at Southampton Central police station on 101 or Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting Operation Anglian.