RESIDENTS of a Southampton tower block are in shock after police launched a murder investigation following the death of a woman on Easter Monday.

Emergency services were called to International Way in Weston just after 6.35am yesterday.

Officers cordoned off Havre Towers after a woman in her 50s was pronounced dead. 

A 52-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of murder, and remains in police custody. 

READ MORE: Murder suspect remains in custody after woman dies

Daily Echo: Forensic experts on scene Forensic experts on scene (Image: Newsquest)

Several officers remained at the block throughout the day, with six to seven police cars parked outside in the morning.

Forensics were also on the scene to collect evidence and a forensic tent was put up outside the building.

A mum-of-two said: "It’s so sad to be woken up to something like this.

"I don’t know what happened to her, but I hope her family is doing okay. 

"It’s such a sad day for our community."

Daily Echo: Police setting up a cordon near Havre Towers in Weston Police setting up a cordon near Havre Towers in Weston (Image: Newsquest)

A tower block resident said he heard "loud banging" early in the morning. 

He added: "I just had a feeling that something dodgy and bad had happened."

"I can’t believe what happened, it’s just horrible. 

"Lots of people have their kids around here, and I myself moved into the building only three months ago."

Another passer-by said: "I take my dog around for a walk here almost every day, but today when I saw the police, I was shocked and decided to change our route.

"I have never seen so many police officers down here before. It is shocking."

Daily Echo: Police cars parked near Havre Towers in Weston Police cars parked near Havre Towers in Weston (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We were called at 6.36am this morning (Monday, April 10) following the death of a woman in International Way, Southampton. 

"Police remain on scene, and enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the death.

"A 52-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody at this time.

"We encourage anyone with information to please not speculate on the circumstances online and to provide all information to police in the first instance."

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting 44230140340.