Southampton murder investigation: Thornhill community 'shocked'

Emergency services rushed to Warburton Road in Thornhill during the early hours of Saturday morning. 

Police were called to a block of flats where a man in his 60s was found with "significant injuries". 

Police say he was stabbed once in the chest and was later pronounced dead at the scene.

His next of kin have been informed but he is yet to be formally identified. 

READ MORE: What we know so far - Woman arrested after murder investigation launched

Witnesses reported seeing armed police and ambulances on the scene. 

A 20-year-old woman from Southampton was previously been arrested on suspicion of murder.

She has since been released from custody and will face no further action. 

Nonetheless, police are still treating the case as a murder investigation and need witnesses to come forward.

Officers and forensic teams were in the area for the rest of the weekend carrying out investigations and door-to-door enquiries. 

Police were seen searching bushes behind the flats and also sifting through rubbish bags outside. 

READ MORE: PHOTOS: Murder investigation on Southampton estate

Forensic teams were seen coming in and out of the building for the majority of the day on Saturday. 

There was no external cordon in place but police cars were parked in the flat car park.

The local community has been left shocked with many residents sharing their condolences with the man's family. 

A Warburton Road resident who wished to remain unnamed said: "I didn't know the man but I feel very sad for his family. 

"I wonder if he had children or grandkids. It's very sad."

One woman, a 28-year-old from Warburton Road who wished to remain unnamed, said she saw police cars "coming and going" all day.

She added: "I'm so shocked this has happened.

"I feel so sorry for the man's family."

READ MORE: Murder investigation launched after man with 'significant injuries' dies at flat

Other residents have been left "shocked and scared" following the incident in their neighbourhood. 

Mia Lassak, 20, said: "I know there were loads of police here [on Friday night] and an ambulance. 

"It's getting ridiculous now, every day there's another stabbing or rape. People are out of control."

Another resident, a 32-year-old woman who lives on Lydgate Road, said: "I am so shocked, I can't believe it's this serious. 

"I am in shock that one of our neighbours has died, I can't believe it, it's so scary."

One woman said the incident happened on the top floor of 101-159 Warburton Road.

She added: "We heard all the sirens. We knew it was bad because they had police in those white overalls coming and going.

"It's really sad, really strange that this has happened basically next door."

READ MORE: PHOTOS: Murder investigation underway on city estate

Detective Chief Inspector Dal Andrews has said that the police are "working hard" to find out what happened. 

She said: "We know this incident will be concerning for the local community, however, please be reassured that we are working hard to establish the exact circumstances of what took place.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who has any information about what took place in the early hours of this morning. 

“Were you in the Warburton Road area of Southampton at around this time? Did you see or hear anything unusual or concerning? Did you see anyone or any vehicles acting suspiciously?

“Perhaps you were driving in the local area and noticed something unusual and have dash-cam footage that could help us?

“If so, please contact us as soon as possible.

“Officers are carrying out extensive enquiries in the local area, including searches, house-to-house visits and scoping CCTV. We would like to thank everyone living nearby for their help and co-operation while these are carried out.

“There will also be increased patrols in the area to provide reassurance. If you have any concerns or information, please don’t hesitate to speak to our officers.”

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 and quote Operation Hibiscus or the crime reference number 44230077698.

They can also send information online by going to www.mipp.police.uk/operation/44HC23W01-PO1 quoting the same reference number.

Alternatively, witnesses can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via crimestoppers-uk.org