DETECTIVES launched a murder investigation this morning after a man was stabbed in a tower block.

Police were called to Havre Towers in Weston, Southampton, shortly after 2am by paramedics following reports that a man in his 30s had been knifed.

The victim was rushed to Southampton General Hospital to undergo emergency surgery but later died of his injuries.

Police have today cordoned off the area while scenes of crime officers carry out investigations.

Detective Inspector Darren O'Callaghan, from the major crime department, issued an appeal for witnesses who saw someone leaving the tower block in the early hours of the morning to contact them.

He added: "We would like to reassure residents this was an isolated incident which occurred inside the flats. We have a large team of officers working on this investigation and are carrying out a large number of enquiries to establish what happened."

A post mortem examination into the death of the victim is likely to take place today. Police say a man aged 25 has been arrested in connection with the stabbing and is being held in police custody.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the major crime team on 0845 045 4545.