Millbrook murder investigation: Police seen searching the Common

Half a dozen officers have been seen scouring bushes around the park to look for clues.

UPDATE: Man charged with murder after woman found dead

It comes after the body of a woman was discovered at an address two miles away.

The woman, who was in her 60s, was found in Mansel Road East on Monday evening and a murder investigation has since been launched. 

READ MORE: This is why police were patrolling Southampton Common today

Neighbours have described the victim as a "lovely woman".

Mansel Court resident Spencer Urquhart told the Echo that his heart goes out to the family.

The 65-year-old said: "I know the lady who died. We always said hello when passing. We used to have a chat and a laugh.

"She was a lovely lady. It was a shock. My heart feels so bad for the family."

Police searching the Common on Tuesday (Image: Hannah Ramsey)

Another resident nearby, on Mansel Road East, described the news as "very sad", especially as it was so close to home.

"It's terrible," Julia Berry told the Echo. "It's quite a shock, so close as well. It's very sad."

The 79-year-old added: "It won't feel safe now. I have lived here for 55 years. All the neighbours are talking about it but no one seems to know anything."

Another 52-year-old who works in Windermere Avenue said: "I do not know the circumstances. It is a shock."

READ MORE:

• What we know so far after woman in her 60s 'killed' in home
• Murder investigation launched after woman in her 60s found dead in home
• Police set up cordon after woman's body found

A cordon was in place around two blocks of flats in Mansel Court on Tuesday, with forensics seen visiting another house in Windermere Avenue.

Residents spoke of "screaming and shouting" around midnight on Monday, and an ambulance with police vans turning up.

They were there all night, and police returned to the scene today.

Police at Windermere Avenue on Tuesday (Image: Hannah Ramsey)

On Monday evening, two people were arrested on suspicion of murder - a 48-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman from Southampton.

DCI Nicola Burton, leading the investigation, said that officers will be seen "in the west of the city carrying out extensive enquiries so we can piece together exactly what happened".

She added: “We believe this was an isolated incident and that there is no wider threat to the community at this time.

“If you have any information that can aid our investigation, please do not hesitate to contact us. Your evidence could be vital.”

Supt Phil Lamb, district commander for Southampton, said: “Understandably this incident will cause concern to residents, especially given the attempted murder which happened in the centre of the city last week.

“But I would like to reassure you that we have brought in more officers from elsewhere in the force to support our teams who are already out on patrol, supporting these investigations and reaching out to affected communities.

“If you have any concerns, please speak to officers when you see them. We are working incredibly hard and will continue to do so to make sure you feel safe.”

You can report information to police by calling 101 or visiting their website, quoting 44220473341.

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