A MAJOR investigation has been launched by detectives to try and determine how a Hampshire woman came to die.

Majella Lynch was pronounced dead at Southampton General Hospital two days after being rushed there by paramedics.

Now a team of detectives from Hampshire police's major crime department are involved in the probe to determine if there was any foul play.

The force says the woman's death is “unexplained” and last night confirmed they have arrested two men who have been quizzed about the 51-year-old's final hours.

One of the men is aged 45 and thought to live locally. He has since been released on police bail while they carry out further enquiries.

The other man being held by officers last night is aged 42.

Police say both men have been helping with their enquiries into what happened before Ms Lynch was rushed to hospital just before lunchtime on Good Friday, April 18.

It is understood an ambulance was called to a bedsit in St Mary's Road where they found her seriously ill.

Ms Lynch was pronounced dead at the Tremona Road hospital at 4.30am on Easter Sunday.

Now, more than a week later, police have been continuing their enquiries into what happened, including cordoning off a home in St Denys.

Officers were at the house, close to the junction with Thomas Lewis Way, throughout Sunday while a local officer stood guard at the scene throughout yesterday.

Ms Lynch was said to have been very well known in the community in which she lived, having formerly lived in a hostel in the area.

Extensive enquiries have already been carried out among local residents while those who have not yet spoken to police but who may have vital information are being urged to do so.

Today tributes were paid to Ms Lynch by residents in St Marys who described her as “generous” and “caring”.

Friend Kelly Randell, 32, from Southampton Street, said: “I knew her from the park. She was a very caring and loving person. It is a really bad shame she has gone. She was very well known round here - generous and caring.

“I felt shocked and sad, I heard what happened to her down at the day centre.”

Michael Simmons, 35, who also lives in the street, added: “I didn't know until a couple of days ago but I was shocked when the police told me.

“I feel bad for anyone who has gone.”

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “Enquiries are focusing on establishing the circumstances of her death and we are putting considerable resources into finding out what has happened.

“We are grateful for the ongoing support of the local community however if anyone has any information which they think may assist with our investigation, we would urge them to call 101 in confidence.”

  • Additional reporting by Rebecca Pearson