Police seek information over body found in woods

Anyone with any information is asked to get in touch with police

Police have issued an appeal for more information from the public after launching a murder investigation following a body being found in a wooded area.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary were called by a member of the public to the centre of the Southampton Common close to the wildlife reserve, north of Ornamental Lake at 16:40 BST on Wednesday.

The force said they believe the person, thought to be an adult, was homeless and living on the Common, adding the death is being treated as suspicious.

Det Ch Insp Matt Gillooly said there are signs there was a significant fire at some point in the same location where person, who has not been identified, was found.

"The area where the body was located on the Common is remote, overgrown, and away from footpaths, but I have no doubt that members of the local community may hold key information that can assist us," he said.

He added the force is hoping to hear from anyone who may remember seeing smoke or a fire in this area, as well as anyone with any camera footage.

No arrests have yet been made and officers will remain in the area as investigations continue.

"We understand that this is a concerning incident for our community and officers are there to provide reassurance," he added.