MURDER squad detectives were today hoping to speak to a suspect under police guard in hospital, following the discovery of a man's body outside a Southampton home.

Officers have so far been prevented by doctors from speaking to the 50-year-old man, who is being treated for serious injuries at Southampton General.

He was admitted on Good Friday following a fracas at 1.45am at the junction of Cranbury Avenue and Denzil Avenue.

The victim's body was discovered by police outside a Georgian house in Cranbury Avenue. The building is subdivided into flats.

The victim has not been officially named because police are still trying to contact his family. He was found dead on the ground outside the property in the Newtown area of the city.

Detective Inspector Jason Hogg, from Shirley CID, said: "It is important that we speak to the man in hospital, to get his version of events.

"So far we have been prevented from doing so. He is being assessed again by doctors this morning and we are hoping to speak to him this afternoon.

"The man is being treated for what we understand to be serious injuries, so it could still be several days.

"He will remain under police guard until he leaves hospital."

Three suspects, who were arrested by police, have all now been bailed to reappear at a later date. Detectives confirmed that no knives or firearms were used in the incident but have said that no cause of death will be released yet.

The inquiry has been codenamed Operation Stakehill. It is being conducted from a major incident room at Hulse Road police station.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845 045 4545 or call the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.