Woman's death in country lane 'not suspicious'

Police were called to Owslebury on Tuesday evening

An investigation into the death of a woman in her 30s whose body was found in a country lane is no longer being treated as a possible homicide.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary was called at 17:51 BST on Tuesday to the scene near Whaddon Lane in Owslebury.

At the time police said they were starting a homicide investigation but were "keeping an open mind".

Following a post-mortem examination on Friday her death is no longer being treated as suspicious.

In a message to residents Det Ch Insp Matt Gillooly, who led the investigation, said: "We completely understand the concerns you may have had upon seeing the news that her death was being investigated as a possible homicide.

"I want to reassure you that, following the examination yesterday, we are confident this is no longer the case.

"Our initial policing response to this has been robust, and that may have worried some people in the community, but this was the right decision to ensure we conducted the most thorough investigation.

“I want to thank everyone who contacted us with information, CCTV and dash cam footage which have all helped us create a clearer picture of what happened.

“Most of all I want to thank the family for all their help in our inquiries."

Flowers have been laid near the scene by members of the public

The family is being supported by specialist officers as a file is prepared for the coroner.

Officers had been conducting inquiries in the area, close to Marwell Zoo in Winchester, and flowers were laid near the scene by members of the public.

The police force said the decision to investigate the incident as a possible homicide "was made to ensure the highest standards of evidence gathering were undertaken in order to establish the cause of her death".