Detectives have confirmed a 37-year-old man has been arrested following the murder of a pensioner in Southampton .

A murder enquiry was launched earlier today following the discovery of a woman's body in Ocean Village .

More than 60 officers are now involved in the hunt for the killer of the woman in her 80's at her home in Atlantic Close. Her body was discovered by family members around 7.55pm on Saturday.

A wide area around the address has been cordoned off to enable specialist officers to search for and secure any potential evidence that may be linked to the woman’s death.

Detectives say the woman's immediate family are aware of the tragedy, but other relatives are yet to be notified and formal identification has not taken place. A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted sometime later today by a Home Office Pathologist to establish the exact cause of death.

Officers are appealing for anyone to contact them who may have seen anything unusual or suspicious in the area of Ocean Way, Pacific Close and Atlantic Close anytime between Thursday, August 16, when contact was last made with the woman, up to the early evening of Saturday, August 18.

Detective Superintendent Rachel Farrell who is leading the investigation said: “I would like to reassure residents and those who visit this area that this is an extremely rare incident which is expected to have a huge impact on the local community.

"There is a significant police presence in the area and this is likely to remain over the coming days. This may cause some disruption to local residents and we therefore ask for their support and understanding.

“Due to the waterfront location of the address, we would extend our appeal to the transient boating and sailing community who may have attended the Cowes Week celebrations on Friday or sailed into or out of Ocean Village during the weekend, as they may have seen something, no matter how insignificant it might appear to be, that will assist us.

“We have a dedicated team of more than 60 police officers involved in the investigation who are conducting searches, completing house to house enquiries and following up other lines of enquiry. “I would appeal to anyone who has information that will assist us with our investigation to contact us.”

  • Anyone with information should contacting the Major Investigation Team at Southampton Central police station on 101 or the Crimestoppers charity line anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting Operation Anglian.