A MURDER investigation has been launched after the daughter of a well-known Southampton businessman died following an incident at her home.

A 35-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a three-year-old girl after emergency services were called to Fordingbridge following a report of a 'concern for welfare'.

The girl has been named locally as Bethan and her parents as former teacher Claire, 35, and 37-year-old accountant Michael Colebourn, who is CEO of Trimline, a highly regarded marine interiors firm based in Southampton.

She was treated at the £400,000 bungalow, where it is understood she lives with her mother, and then flown by air ambulance to Salisbury District Hospital, in a life-threatening condition. She later died at the hospital.

Detectives launched an investigation and arrested a 35-year-old woman from Fordingbridge on suspicion of murder.

A spokeswoman from South Central Ambulance Service said an adult patient was treated at the scene but not taken to hospital.

The spokeswoman said: "I can confirm we were called to an address in Fordingbridge at 6.46pm on Thursday.

"We had two ambulance crews, ambulance officers and an air ambulance on scene assessing and treating two patients."

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We were called to an address in Whitsbury Road, Fordingbridge, shortly before 7pm on Thursday following a report of a concern for welfare.

"Officers attended along with colleagues from South Central Ambulance Service.

"A three-year-old girl was taken to Salisbury District Hospital and was pronounced dead later in the evening.

"Police are making enquiries into the circumstances of the girl’s death

"A 35-year-old woman from Fordingbridge has been arrested as part of our enquiries."

A dog walker, who did not want to be named, said he would often see the girl playing in a paddling pool in the front garden when he walked past.

He said: "The mother would say hello and I would see the little girl out playing in the summer."

A neighbour called Bethan "a lovely little girl", and said: "I cannot believe what has happened.

"I was shocked when I saw the ambulances and police cars outside the house."

Mr Colebourn graduated from the University of Southampton with an accounting and finance degree in 2003 and joined Trimline in July 2015, according to his LinkedIn profile.

He is a keen sportsman, playing golf, football, tennis and doing triathlons.

The chartered accountant originally joined Trimline as its chief financial officer and has since been appointed CEO.

Trimline renovates 'world class marine interiors' and its website describes the firm as the 'longest established interior refitter in the industry with over 50 years' experience'.

The company generated revenues of almost £40m in its latest financial year.