Thornhill murder: Timeline of Mark Noke investigation

The Warburton Road resident was found in his flat with a single stab wound to his chest. 

Now six men have been arrested in connection with the investigation but no one has been charged with murder as of yet. 

Below is a recap of the police investigation so far: 

Forensics team at Warburton Road, Southampton. (Image: Newsquest)

February 25 - Murder probe launched

Police initially launched a murder investigation after the death of a man in his 60s. 

Officers were called at around 1am after the man suffered significant injuries and was later pronounced dead at the scene. 

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

Speaking at the time, Detective Chief Inspector Dal Andrews 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."

February 26 - Police say man died of stab wound

A post-mortem confirmed that the man had died of a single stab wound to his chest. 

Detectives pleaded for any witnesses to come forward. 

The woman who was previously arrested was released from custody with police saying she would face no further action. 

Detective Chief Inspector Dal Andrews said: “We would like to reassure the local community that we are conducting extensive enquiries to establish what happened and we would again like to thank local residents for your help and understanding while these continue.

February 27 - Thornhill community 'shocked'

Residents said they were "shocked and scared" as police continued to search for evidence around the crime scene. 

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

A 28-year-old woman from Warburton Road who wished to remain unnamed, said she saw police cars "coming and going" all day and is "shocked this has happened".

Another resident, a 32-year-old woman who lives on Lydgate Road, said: "I am in shock that one of our neighbours has died, I can't believe it, it's so scary."

Police in International Way, Southampton (Image: Daily Echo) (Image: Newsquest)

February 28 - Armed police raids

Residents were awoken by loud bangs in the early hours of the morning as armed police stormed Hampton Towers in International Way.

Three Southampton men, 20, 23 and 31, were arrested on suspicion of murder. 

Two properties were raided on International Way, with another sting taking place in Bursledon Road. 

A mobile police station was also set up on Warburton Road to address concerns from residents in the area.

March 1 - Mark Noke named

Police named 64-year-old Mark Noke as the dead man. 

His family paid tribute to him saying he was a "kind and loving member of our family who also touched the lives of so many others with his warmth, kindness and generosity.

"He was a devoted, loving father who was committed to caring for his son. Mark’s passing has left a void that will be deeply felt."

On the same day, Southampton Magistrates' Court granted police a 36-hour extension to question the three men in custody. 

Mark Noke. (Image: Hampshire Constabulary.)

March 3 - Police given custody extension

Officers were granted a further 31-hour extension to question the three murder suspects. 

DI Howard Broadribb, senior investigating officer in the case, said: "This is a sprawling investigation which continues at pace and our officers and staff continue to work through a large number of enquiries.

“Our witness appeal continues, so if you saw anything suspicious between 9pm on Friday, 24 February and 2am on Saturday, 25 February, or have any dash cam, CCTV, ring doorbell or mobile footage that could help us, please get in touch.”

The extension was granted by Southampton Magistrates' Court. 

March 4 - Men charged and bailed

The three men who were arrested in the early hours on February 28 were bailed with conditions. 

Two men were charged with other offences. 

Jack Follett, 23, of International Way, Southampton, was charged with possession of a firearm.

Aaron Morgan, 31, of Bursledon Road, Southampton, was charged with being concerned in the supply of controlled substances.

Both were remanded in custody to appear at Southampton Magistrates’ Court that day.

Police in Harefield. (Image: Newsquest)

March 6 - Arrest after Harefield raid

Another man was arrested on suspicion of murder after officers raided a home on Selborne Avenue, Harefield. 

The 20-year-old from Southampton was the fourth man to be arrested in connection with the death. 

Mark's family said he "had a gift for making people feel seen and heard.

"He had a ready smile, a listening ear, and a compassionate heart that drew people to him.”

March 7 - Man arrested after attending police station

A fifth man was arrested after he attended Southampton Central Police Station at around 2.15pm. 

The 21-year-old from Southampton remained in custody during the day. 

The 20-year-old man arrested the day before was bailed with conditions. 

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Howard Broadribb, said: “We will continue to carry out disruptive and proactive activity to progress this investigation and deliver justice for Mark and his family.”

March 8 - Pair due in court

Two men who were arrested as part of the murder investigation appeared in court.

Jack Follett, 23, of Hurstbourne Place, Weston, was charged with possession of a firearm.

Aaron Morgan, 31, of Sydney Road, Hamble, was charged with being concerned in the supply of controlled substances.

Both are due at Southampton Crown Court on March 31 for a pretrial and preparation hearing.

March 10 - Sixth man arrested

Police revealed that a sixth man had been arrested on March 8. 

A 28-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested on suspicion of murder. 

He was bailed while enquiries continue. 

Anyone with information can call 101 or report via the police website, quoting Operation Hibiscus or crime reference number 44230077698.