A MAN murdered in broad daylight on a busy Southampton street died from a single stab wound, a post-mortem has revealed.

Richard Patrick Kelly, 32, was rushed to Southampton General Hospital in a critical condition after being found lying on the pavement in St Mary's just before 9am on Tuesday.

Mr Kelly, of Orchard House, Orchard Lane, Southampton, was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at the hospital, prompting Southampton detectives to launch a murder inquiry.

Last night police revealed a post-mortem examination carried out by a Home Office pathologist had confirmed death was due to a single stab wound to the victim's abdomen.

Meanwhile murder squad detectives were continuing to question a 36-year-old man who was arrested at the scene in St Mary Street, close to the junction of Craven Road.

Last night the man remained in custody at Southampton Central police station.

Detectives working on the murder inquiry were continuing house to house inquiries around St Mary Street today, as well as studying CCTV footage seized from the area.

Police believe a large number of people could have

crucial information about the stabbing, which left the close-knit community in St Mary's shocked.

Det Insp Jason Hogg, leading the murder inquiry, codenamed Operation Conna, said: "This incident took place in broad daylight on a very busy shopping street.

"Dozens of people would have been going about their normal business and must have seen this happen.

"We urge anyone who saw the incident or anything suspicious and has not already been spoken to by police to please call us as soon as possible."

A team of about 25 officers has been drafted in to work on the murder investigation from a major incident room at Hampshire police's divisional headquarters in Hulse Road, Southampton.

Information to Operation Conna on 0845 045 4545, or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.