A SECTION of a Hampshire motorway was cordoned off as part of a murder investigation.

Detectives hunting the killer of Shkelzen Dauti shut part of the westbound carriageway of the M27 near Hedge End as they scoured adjoining land for clues.

Mr Dauti, better known as Genny, was found seriously injured at Gilpin Close in Thornhill, Southampton, on March 11 and died shortly after in Southampton general Hospital.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the 21-year-old, pictured, was suffering from a stab wound to his chest.

Three people were later arrested on suspicion of murder.

A 30-year-old woman was subsequently released with no further action but two men aged 27 and 28 were detained for a longer period before being bailed until June 12.

Yesterday detectives closed part of the hard shoulder on the M27 between junction five and junction seven. No further details were released but Hampshire Constabulary said specialist officers would return to the scene today.

A spokesman said: “We are making every effort to ensure there is minimal disruption to road users.”

Mr Dauti was found lying in Gilpin Close with a serious injury to his chest. A police cordon was put in place as officers conducted house-to-house enquiries and patrols in the area were stepped up.

Police searched a playing field at Hinkler Green, an area behind homes in Napier Road and some of the front gardens in Heywood Green.

Mr Dauti, known as Genny, is understood to have lived in Albania before moving to Southampton.

One of the floral tributes left at the scene of his murder said: “Rest in peace. Too young, too soon.”

A Thornhill resident said Mr Dauti was a familiar face in the Hinkler Green area, adding: “I feel gutted – and not only for the poor guy and his family. I don’t feel safe at all.”

A mother added: “It’s getting worse and worse. It’s normally all right but you get odd things happening sometimes such as people fighting or a robbery.”

But city council leader Simon Letts said: “Thornhill is a low-crime area and these instances are very rare.

“I understand that residents may be concerned but let’s find out the background of the story, whether it’s a local matter or a national or international one.”