It was a week ago today that Police launched a murder investigation when the body of a man in his 50s was found at a house in Shanklin – but what do we know about the investigation so far?
Police remain outside the property on St John’s Road this evening (Monday) as detectives continue to probe the circumstances of the suspicious death, although we know nothing more about the victim other than his rough age.
As previously reported by Island Echo, Armed Police were deployed to an address near Orchardleigh Road at 22:11 on Monday 25th April. Hampshire Constabulary say they were responding to reports of a ‘altercation’, but haven’t expanded on what exactly led to the decision to deploy Armed Response Officers from both sides of the Solent.
Local Police arrived on scene to find 2 men with injuries, prompting the scrambling of 2 air ambulances. However, it soon became clear that nothing could be done to save the life of the older male and the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance was stood down en-route to Shanklin.
The second casualty, a 36-year-old man, was stretchered into an awaiting ambulance and conveyed to St Mary’s Hospital with what Island Echo understands to be stab wounds to his stomach.
On Tuesday morning forensic investigators arrived from the mainland to start their examination of the crime scene. St John’s Road was cordoned off as the 3 investigations clad in forensic suits entered the terraced house. Just a few hours later the body was removed and taken for a Home Office post-mortem examination.
With 1 person dead and a second with serious injuries, Police revealed on Tuesday afternoon that they had arrested a 29-year-old woman and a 52-year-old woman on suspicion of murder. However, the women were subsequently released without charge.
In an unexpected twist, Police also revealed that the second casualty – the 36-year-old man – had also been arrested on suspicion of murder. He became the prime suspect when the 2 women were released without charge.
Police haven’t provided any update on whether a charging decision has been made within the 96-hour time limit, although it is understood the suspect remains in hospital under Police guard.
There has been no further update on the investigation since Wednesday when Superintendent Jim Pegler had this to say:
“The investigation into this death remains ongoing, and you can expect to see a continued police presence at the scene in St Johns Road and the surrounding area as officers conduct their enquiries.
“I would like to reiterate that we believe this to be an isolated and contained incident with no wider risk to the public.
“We thank the local community for their patience while officers continue to carry out their enquiries in the area. We will endeavour to provide you with further updates on this investigation when we are in a position to do so.”
The identity of the victim has not yet been revealed and the investigation hasn’t been given an operational name.
This latest incident is the second murder being investigated on the Isle of Wight so far this year.
So basically 1 week on and we know nothing more other than a rough age of the victim. Good work
I’m guessing he was a Brentford Supporter
No don’t think so mate
That’s should narrow it down to less than 10 people…
Who’s Brentford?
Cannot believe the number of murders, car accidents, etc etc happening on our Island. So sad, always felt safe living here but beginning to wonder if there is anywhere “safe” in this World.
No point worrying about it….we will all be Nooked soon..
Who cares
he will get away with it. he stuck the knife in himself so he can claim it was self defense
That’s a weired comment not good place to stab yourself thats suicide
Leg arm shoulder or backside would have been a better option
Been around that bend hundreds of times and been fine, guaranteed that speeding was involved!