THE hunt for the killers of a Southampton man whose body was found in a burnt-out car has taken a new twist after detectives arrested a man in Rome on |suspicion of murder.

Yesterday’s dramatic development comes almost four weeks after Agim Hoxha was murdered and his body left in a torched car dumped at the side of the road.

Two detectives from Hampshire are understood to have flown out to Italy to make the arrest, having obtained a European arrest warrant earlier this week.

The man was detained by the officers, who were working in conjunction with police and local authorities in Italy.

Moves are now under way to extradite the man back to Hampshire for questioning.

As reported, Agim’s body was discovered inside his burning |silver Mercedes, which had been dumped in Chilworth Drove in the early hours of Tuesday, April 10.

Firefighters made the grim |discovery after being called by neighbours reporting a loud explosion. Although detectives still cannot confirm exactly how Agim was murdered, they are sure he was dead before the fire was started.

Police have since revealed they believe 29-year-old crane driver Agim was involved in the local drugs scene in Southampton.

But his devastated family said he was a “loving and honest” man to everyone who knew him and did not deserve to die in such |a way.

A spokesman for Hampshire police last night confirmed: “Detectives from Hampshire’s Major Investigation Team (HMIT) have arrested a 25-year-old Southampton man on suspicion of the murder of Agim Hoxha.

“The man was arrested with assistance of police in Rome on Friday, May 11.

“Arrangements are being made with the Italian authorities to have the man escorted back to the UK, where he will be questioned by Hampshire detectives.”

n Afrin Lleshi, 36, of Shirley Road, Southampton, has been charged with trying to pervert the course of justice after allegedly assisting in disposing Agim’s body.