UPDATED: A 50-year-old man from Sandown has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the discovery of a body in a residential area of Sandown last night (Friday).
As first reported by Island Echo, Police cordoned off Cross Street and North Street in the seaside town at around 23:00 following the discovery of a man on the pavement. It has been confirmed that the body is believed to be that of a 44-year-old local man.
The scene remains cordoned off this afternoon as an investigation gets underway into the full circumstances of the incident, which is being led by the Hampshire Major Investigation Team.
Detective Chief Inspector Nick Heelan, who is leading the investigation, said:
“We are still in the very early stages of our investigation and are keeping an open mind about what has happened. At the moment, we are treating the cause of this man’s death as unexplained.
“We’ve already had a good response from members of the public who were in the Cross Street area last night and I would like to thank them for their assistance.
“I’d also like to thank people for their patience while the roads are closed. Please be assured we are working as quickly as we can but it is vital we carry out all necessary enquiries at the scene to ensure a thorough investigation into this man’s death.”
UPDATE @ 16:15 – Both streets have fully reopened this afternoon following the completion of investigations by Police at the scene.
Officers were witnessed to be inspecting drains surrounding the spot where a 44-year-old Bembridge man was found (pictured). It is understood they were searching for evidence.
Formal identification of the victim is yet to take place, however the middle-aged man has been named locally. The man, who Island Echo are not naming, is understood to have originally come from Bembridge but had been living in Sandown recently.
CCTV evidence has been gathered from a private property on Cross Street and is being examined by officers from the Major Investigation Team (MIT).
UPDATE @ 17:40 – A property, believed to be the home of a 50-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder, is under Police guard in Brading tonight, Island Echo can reveal.
Eye witnesses have described how the gentleman, said to be ‘normal, nice and friendly’, was arrested at the house – which falls into a Sandown postcode – late last night by Police. His vehicle was also seized.
Officers have remained outside the semi-detached property throughout the day. The 50-year-old, who Island Echo are not naming at this moment in time, remains in Police custody.
Anyone with any information should contact the Hampshire Major Investigation Team at Newport Police Station on 101 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
