Murder investigation launched following death of a man in Basingstoke

We are investigating the death of a man who was found with a serious injury in the Popley area of Basingstoke.

We were called at 10.46pm on Wednesday 19 January, by a member of the public who found the 22-year-old man in Abbey Road, near its junction with Popley Way.

He was taken to Basingstoke hospital where he was pronounced dead.

His next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A 25-year-old man from Basingstoke has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody.

He was arrested after officers were called at around the same time that night to a report of a disturbance at a property in Melrose Walk.

The two incidents are being treated as linked.

Officers will remain in the area in the next few days to carry out enquiries and establish the circumstances of what took place.

Popley Way has been closed from the Aldermaston Road roundabout to its junction with Tintern Close while officers carry out their enquiries. A diversion is in place and we will update once the closure has been lifted.

Detective Chief Inspector Roger Wood said: “We understand that this incident will cause some concern and disruption in the community.

“Thank you for your patience while our enquiries continue. Please be reassured that detectives are working hard to establish what took place and progress the investigation.

“This is being treated as an isolated incident with no wider risk to the public.

“Officers will be in the area so if you do live locally and have any concerns, please speak to them.

“We are urging anyone with information on what happened to make contact with us. Did you see anything suspicious in Melrose Walk/Abbey Road area of Popley at this time? Perhaps you have private CCTV or dashcam footage that may help our investigation? If so, please come forward.”

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 and quote Operation Hosta or the crime reference number 44220025271.

You can also send us information online by going to https://mipp.police.uk/operation/44HC22N01-PO1 and quoting the same reference number.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

ENDS