A quiet Southampton park became the scene of a horrific daylight murder on Thursday, leaving local residents in a state of shock and prompting a major police investigation.
Emergency Response to Cobden Avenue
Police and emergency services descended upon the Cobden Avenue and Bridge Road area of Southampton shortly after 4:30 PM following reports of a serious assault. What they discovered was every community's worst nightmare - a man with life-threatening stab wounds.
Despite the rapid response and efforts of paramedics, the victim, an adult male, was pronounced dead at the scene, transforming the peaceful park into a crime scene.
Major Investigation Underway
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary have launched a full-scale murder investigation, with forensic teams meticulously examining the area throughout the evening. The cordoned-off park remained under heavy police presence overnight as detectives worked to piece together the circumstances leading to this brutal attack.
A police spokesperson confirmed: "We were called at 4.34pm to reports of a man who had been stabbed. Officers attended along with colleagues from the ambulance service. A man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers."
Community in Shock
Local residents expressed their horror at the violent incident occurring in what many described as a normally quiet neighbourhood. The daylight timing of the attack has particularly unsettled the community, with many questioning the safety of their public spaces.
One shaken local resident told reporters: "It's terrifying to think this could happen in broad daylight in a place where children play and people walk their dogs. You never expect something like this to happen on your doorstep."
Appeal for Information
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, particularly those who were in the Cobden Avenue area between 4 PM and 5 PM on Thursday. Detectives are also appealing for any dashcam, doorbell, or CCTV footage that might assist their investigation.
While no arrests have been made at this early stage, police have assured the public that they are pursuing several active lines of enquiry and that additional patrols have been deployed in the area to reassure concerned residents.
