Southampton: Bernard Street murder victim is named

Abraham Cilliers, 48, of Osprey Gardens, Lee-on-the-Solent, had been in Southampton when he was involved in what police described at the time as an 'altercation'.

He then suffered a cardiac arrest at the junction of Oxford Street and Bernard Street at around 12.40am.

READ MORE: Everything we know so far about Southampton murder

Sadly, despite the best efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Paying tribute to him, his family said: "Abraham Cilliers was a loving father and great friend who would do anything to help others if he could, like buying a bar of chocolate for a neighbour just because he knew it would cheer her up.

"After a rough year, his life was looking up. He’d started a new job, which he loved, and was moving to a new home, closer to work, planning on new adventures with his daughter.

"He will be sorely missed and loved forever."

His death on Friday, 22 December, sparked a police murder investigation, with much of the city centre cordoned off as evidence was gathered.

Richard Coppt, 56, who lives on Holyrood Estate nearby, told the Echo at the time: "It's shocking. You don't expect it to happen in your neighbourhood.

"I've lived here for 17 years and it's a really peaceful place.

"Everyone who lives here knows each other.

"The few problems that we do seem to have round here are drug related but that seems to be from people who are passing through and use the alleyways on Bernard Street and Oxford Street for cover."

Two men, aged 35 and 60, from Totton, were arrested on suspicion of murder.

They have been bailed as the investigation continues.

This comes as police continue to appeal for witnesses.

A spokesman for the force said: "If you have any information and have not yet spoken with us, then please get in touch either by calling 101 and quoting the reference 44230521261, or by going to our website.

"Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111."