A MURDER inquiry which was launched after a pensioner was found dead has been dropped.

The body of Peter Dunnings, 73, was discovered at a home in Boundary Road, Bursledon, on December 3, 2018.

Police launched an investigation and arrested a 63-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man on suspicion of murder.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, Home Office forensic pathologist Dr Basil Purdue gave a preliminary cause of death for the 73-year-old as the combined effects of acute alcohol intoxication and a head injury.

The two people who were arrested have been released and will face no further action.

Speaking at the time, neighbours told the Echo of their “total disbelief” and said the house was occupied by a couple and that a younger man had moved in just over a month ago.

Patricia Peacey, 63, who lives in Boundary Road, said: “I only knew him to say hello to and I never noticed anything suspicious.

“I’m in total disbelief about it, really, and I really don’t know what to believe at the moment.

“I feel uneasy because I don’t know what’s going on.”