A councillor is calling for more investment in policing after an attempted murder investigation was launched at the weekend.

Labour councillor David Furnell believes the only way to stop crime in Millbrook is by having more officers on patrol.

His words come after a 46-year-old woman from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following an incident at a block of flats in Irving Road in the early hours of Saturday. She has since been released on police bail.

A 52-year-old man was taken to Southampton General Hospital with serious head injuries. Police said he was in a stable condition and has since been discharged.

Read more: What we know so far on the attempted murder investigation in Millbrook

Cllr Furnell, who represents the Millbrook ward, said: “There’s a problem of crime in Millbrook because of cuts in policing in the last number of years. The police do a very good job with the resources they have but what they need is more resources, they need more numbers.”

The councillor added that “if you’re going to tackle crime, you’re going to need more police”.

A police cordon was set up shortly after the incident at 1.50am.

Two police officers remained at the scene for much of Saturday to keep people away from the area.

Speaking to the Daily Echo just hours after the suspected attempted murder, the majority of residents didn’t know what was going on and said they didn't hear anything suspicious during the night.

However, some were not surprised to see a police cordon, suggesting crime in Millbrook is an ongoing issue.

Asked what is being done to help tackle crime, Cllr Furnell said he holds regular meetings with the police to discuss what actions could be taken.

Hampshire police has not issued an appeal for witnesses.

The force is looking to recruit more officers with applications opening on Tuesday, July 5.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News