Southampton park 'murder' as adult body found following 'significant fire'

Police have launched a murder probe after a dead body was discovered following a "significant" fire in a park.

Officers from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary were called to Southampton Common on Wednesday following a report from a member of the public. They had discovered human remains in a wooded area of the park where a huge fire appeared to have broken out several months prior.

The force said its Major Crime Team is treating the death as suspicious, and it has launched an appeal for information. The remains are believed to be of a homeless person who was living on the common, and there are "indications there was a significant fire at some point in the same location as to where the body was found".

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Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Matt Gillooly said: “We have allocated significant resources and specialist officers into the early stages of our investigation to enable us to identify the deceased and progress our enquiries.

“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.

"At this time investigators are working hard to establish a time-frame for the offence, this could potentially be a number of months ago.

“We’re especially keen to hear from anyone who may remember seeing smoke or a fire in this area. We also want to build a list of people who may have relevant footage that can help our enquiries.

"Do you use GoPro cameras or similar when running or cycling on the Common? Does your business’ CCTV or video doorbell capture footage of people leaving the Common. Please contact us in case your footage could help us to progress our investigation.

“Officers will remain in the area and the Neighbourhood Policing Team will be carrying out regular patrols. Please speak to these uniformed officers if you have any information.

"We understand that this is a concerning incident for our community and officers are there to provide reassurance. We will also be attending events including the Southampton parkrun, where we will be available to speak to you.”

Anyone who believes they can provide footage that may assist police with their enquiries has been asked to get in touch with police and submit information on the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary site.

People can also provide information by phone via the police non-emergency number 101 and quoting the incident number 44250456238.

People who would prefer to provide information anonymously can do so via the independent charity Crimestoppers via its number 0800 555 111 or online reporting tool.