A MURDER hunt was launched today after a man's mutilated body was found in a suitcase left at a Hampshire railway station.

The body of the man, who was in his 20s, had been cut to death before being stuffed in a suitcase and dumped.

A passer-by is believed to have made the grisly discovery at around 6.45pm last night before alerting police.Officers immediately sealed off the area surrounding the bulging case and banned passengers from entering the station for up to five hours.

The suitcase had been abandoned on the pavement near the Basingstoke Cycle Works shop at the train station in the town.

Scenes of crime officers combed the area in a detailed search for any vital clues they could find.

The body was eventually removed by three officers at around 12.20am.

It is believed it was then taken to Basingstoke Hospital where a post mortem was due to take place by a Home Office pathologist.

Station staff were prevented from entering the building last night but train services were not affected. Police said there would be no disruption to passenger services from the station today.

Officers are remaining tight-lipped about any more details surrounding the discovery but police expect to glean more information later today.

Detectives want to hear from anyone who used Basingstoke train station yesterday and are particularly keen to speak to anyone who noticed the suitcase on the pavement near to the shop.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact Basingstoke police station on 0845 045 4545.