A MAJOR police inquiry was launched today after the body of a woman was found in a Southampton flat.

Detectives say they are treating the death of the middle-aged woman as suspicious.

Officers were called to the scene of the incident in Collier Close, St Denys, shortly after 7pm last night. A man is being questioned in connection with the death.

A post-mortem was due to be carried out today by a Home Office pathologist to determine the cause of the woman's death.

The woman, believed to be in her mid-50s, had lived on the top floor of a three-storey block since they were built four years ago for the Western Challenge Housing Association.

Officers carried out house-to- house inquiries during the evening while scenes of crime officers scoured the flat for clues.

A lone officer stood outside the third floor flat this morning while neighbours spoke of their shock today at the incident.

One woman, who asked not to be named, said: "I used to speak to her as neighbour. She was friendly and wouldn't harm anybody.

"The police came around at about 9.50pm but wouldn't say much about it. She would always stop and talk to you.

"I last saw her about two weeks ago with her boy friend. Everyone is very shocked at what has happened.''

The flat was badly damaged a couple of years ago in a chip pan fire.

Another neighbour added: "She came to me then and was very distressed and I phoned the fire brigade.

"Her boy friend tried to put it out himself but it was quite serious.''

Ather resident in the block said: "Everyone on the estate knew her - everyone tried to help her.''