Man held on suspicion of murder of woman in Southampton

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a woman, aged in her late 80s, whose body was found at a seafront property in Southampton.

Police were called to the address in Atlantic Close, Ocean Village, by a family member on Saturday night.

More than 60 officers are conducting searches and house-to-house inquiries, Hampshire police said.

The 37-year-old man from Southampton, who was arrested on Sunday, is being questioned by murder detectives.

Police appealed for information from the sailing community who may have sailed in or out of Ocean Village for Cowes Week over the weekend.

They said they wanted to hear about any suspicious activity in Ocean Way, Pacific Close and Atlantic Close, between Thursday, and Saturday evening.

Officers have also cordoned off a wide area around the address.

The victim has not been formally identified and a post-mortem examination is due to be conducted later to establish the exact cause of her death.

Det Supt Rachel Farrell, of Hampshire police, 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."