DETECTIVES have launched a murder enquiry after a man was stabbed to death in a Hampshire town.

Scenes of crime officers sealed off part of Whitworth Road in Gosport early yesterday morning after the man was found lying close to death in the street.

Paramedics were called and battled to save the man, as yet not named, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The gruesome discovery was made by a resident at about 7am after he heard a violent argument outside his home.

Forensic officers cordoned off the area and closed part of Whitworth Road before beginning house-to-house inquiries to identify the victim.

A tent was put over the man's body while a fingertip search of the area was conducted by scenes of crime officers to try and find the murder weapon.

Neighbours shocked Residents of the leafy suburban road told the Daily Echo how they were stunned and shocked by the death in their quiet neighbourhood.

Scott Abrahart, 25, of neighbouring Cheriton Road, said: "It is shocking. This is a quiet place. Nothing like this happens round here normally. It is devastating."

Michael Bramwell, 24, from nearby Smith Street, added: "I did not realise what had happened. It is shocking. Hopefully it is not someone I know. It is tragic."

Police believe the man is local and are appealing for witnesses to the incident. They are also anxious to try and trace the murder weapon.

Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Crowe, who is heading the investigation, said: "Police were called shortly after 7am to a report of a man having been injured.

"The man was found in a collapsed state but the ambulance crew was unable to revive him.

"We are still trying to ascertain who the person is.

"We can only assume that there has been some sort of altercation. We will be conducting house-to-house inquiries and we are still searching the neighbourhood for a disposed weapon.

"These sort of incidents are very rare and I am confident we will find the person who has done this.

"It is very likely that the victim knew his attacker. We suspect that these people are known to each other. It is very unlikely to be a random attack."

Police have arrested two men from Whitworth Road in connection with the incident. The men were last night being questioned separately at Fareham and Gosport police stations.