Update on investigation into Southampton murder

Officers have been granted more time to question three men in connection with a Southampton murder.

This morning (1 March), at Southampton Magistrates’ Court, magistrates granted a 36-hour extension for police to keep the three men, aged 20, 23 and 31, in custody.

They were arrested in the early hours of yesterday morning at addresses in International Way and Bursledon Road in Southampton, on suspicion of the murder of Mark Noke.

The 64-year-old died of a stab wound to his chest at his home in Warburton Road, Thornhill, in the early hours of Saturday, 25 February.

DCI Dal Andrews is leading the investigation. She said: “Our officers and staff are following up several lines of enquiry as we continue to establish the circumstances of what happened to Mark.

“I would like to thank the public for their support so far and the information they have supplied to us and urge anyone else with relevant information to get in touch.

“If you saw anything suspicious between 9pm on Friday, 24 February and 2am on Saturday, or have any dash cam, CCTV, ring doorbell or mobile footage that could help us, we want to hear from you.

“Even the smallest piece of information could make all the difference.”

Call 101 or report via our website, quoting Operation Hibiscus or the crime reference number 44230077698.

You can also send us information including CCTV footage online by going to https://mipp.police.uk/operation/44HC23W01-PO1 quoting the same reference number.

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