RESIDENTS of Popley have expressed their shock following a suspected murder in their neighbourhood last night (Wednesday, January 19).

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

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

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Sajish Tom, a ward councillor, said it's a very sad incident for Popley and asked for more action from police.

“We have been requesting for more police patrolling in our area,” Cllr Tom said.

“We hope they send police beats so that these incidents won’t happen again.”

Cllr Jacky Tustain called the incident an isolated one and said it is a “very very sad situation”.

“It’s awful – somebody so young has been killed,” Cllr Tustain said.

“I don’t know the circumstances that happened here but it’s a horrible human tragedy.

“Hopefully police will get on and do their job. It’s a very sad day for Popley.

“This is clearly an isolated incident. Police are doing what they need to do. Meanwhile, I’m waiting to hear from police if there is anything that we can do.”

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 to a report of a disturbance at a property in Melrose Walk.

The two incidents are being treated as linked.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said: "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.”

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