A MURDER investigation continued today after a father of six died following a brawl near his Hampshire home.

Emergency services were called to Howe Close in New Milton following reports that a man had been seriously assaulted and that other assaults were continuing

Jeffery Rostigina, 44, was rushed to hospital with severe head injuries but was later pronounced dead in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Detectives arrested six people, including one woman, on suspicion of murder and they were being quizzed at police stations in the New Forest and Southampton at the weekend.

Yesterday, detectives applied for an extension of custody to give them extra time to question the six and were given until lunchtime today.

A post-mortem was being carried out on the victim to determine the cause of death.

The dead man leaves four sons and two daughters aged between 17 and 21.

Son Trevor said: "Everyone is very distressed about what's happened. We are all very sad and very angry."

Forensic officers remained at the scene over the weekend.

Mr Rostigina's terraced home was sealed off, along with a property at the end of the block.

Scenes-of-crime officers carried out a detailed investigation of the terraced home yesterday while police tape remained around the property at the end of the block. An old Wolseley car outside Mr Rostigina's home also had police tape around it.

Police also taped off the area where he was assaulted, about 20 metres away, beside a block of flats.

Two 15-year-old girls and a 14-year-old girl were also arrested in connection with an assault on another teenage girl.

Yesterday the two teenagers who were arrested were still being questioned by detectives.

Police said at least two other people sustained minor injuries as a result of assaults which happened at about 11.15pm on Friday night.

Residents spoke of their shock at the death of Mr Rostigina, who lived with his children in the close.

Neighbour Deb Smith, 45, said: "I've lived here for about 30 years. I got on well with him.

"I was woken up when I heard shouting on Friday night. It did sound as if something dreadful was going on.''

Mother-of-two Del Boy, who has changed her name by deed poll, said: "There was a lot of shouting outside and it woke me up. He was such a nice man. I was only talking to him during the day on Friday. If you needed any help he was always there.''

Pete Saville, who knew the Rostigina family well, said: "It's very upsetting for us all. He was a lovely man, a quiet neighbour.

"He kept himself to himself and looked after his family well."

Some residents reported hearing shouting and screaming and cars revving up and down the road shortly before the police officers arrived. Officers carried out inquiries after launching Operation Morland.

Three men, aged 24, 26 and 46, two teenage boys and a 35-year-old woman were all arrested on suspicion of murder.

Anyone who witnessed the incident should telephone 0845 045 4545.