Park runners urged to help with Southampton Common murder probe

Park runners and cyclists are being asked to help police solve a suspected murder after a body was found in Southampton.

A murder investigation was launched after the discovery in a wooded area on Southampton Common on Wednesday afternoon.

Officers have so far been unable to establish the identity of the victim and believe they may have died “some months ago”.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is appealing for runners and cyclists who use action cameras on the common to get in touch.

Neighbourhood policing officers spoke to participants of Saturday’s Park Run and have been putting up posters with QR codes linking to a website where people could submit information.

Lead investigator DCI Matt Gillooly urged those with action cameras and anyone with CCTV or doorbell cameras to contact the force.

He said: “The area where the body was located on the common is remote, overgrown and away from footpaths, but I have no doubt that members of the local community may hold key information that can assist us.”

The force is also appealing for anyone who saw smoke or a fire in woodland near the nature reserve, where the body was found.

A police spokesperson said: “We believe the victim may have been homeless and living on the Common.

“There are indications there was a significant fire at some point in the same location as to where the body was found.

“This may have been a number of months ago.”