POLICE have launched a murder investigation after a body was found at a house in Southampton.

Officers were called to an address in Spear Road just before 10pm on Saturday following reports of a serious assault at the property.

Last night people living in the Spear Road area claimed the victim was a woman who had suffered a fatal knife wound.

A man was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries sustained in the incident.

A resident living near the scene said: “We heard the police arrive and the road was shut off at both ends. Officers didn’t explain what had happened but quite a few people in the street are saying a woman was stabbed.”

Police confirmed a 29-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of murder.

The house at the centre of the investigation is a semi-detached property. Yesterday the premises was sealed off with tape which stretched across a wide alleyway separating the house from its neighbour.

A uniformed police officer was standing guard outside the front door and a colleague was at the end of the alleyway, looking into the back garden.

A forensic expert wearing a face mask and a white boiler suit went to and from the house on several occasions.

Police vehicles were parked in Spear Road and neighbouring Earls Road.

A police spokesman said: “Police were called to a house at 9.50pm following reports of a serious assault. A body was subsequently discovered inside the address .

“A 29-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of murder.”

Detective Inspector Toby Elcock added: “We would like to reassure people that this was an isolated incident, and we believe the people involved are known to each other.

“We understand these sorts of incidents can be very concerning to residents, so do not hesitate to speak to our officers to raise any concerns or provide information that could assist us.”

Police have not released any details about the victim or the manner in which they died.