Murder investigation launched as body found in Gillingham

Following the death of a man at a Dorset residence, a MAN has been taken into custody on suspicion of murder.

At 7:30 p.m. yesterday, police were summoned to an address in Higher Langham, close to Gillingham, due to concerns for the welfare of the residents.

When police arrived at the address, they discovered a woman in her 60s and a man in his 80s who were both seriously injured. It is thought that both of them had been stabbed.

Also on hand was the ambulance service. At about 9:15 p.m., the injured guy was declared deceased at the site.
After being evacuated to Bristol’s Southmead Hospital, the injured woman is still in serious condition.

The death has been reported to the coroner and to the relatives.

Officers added that after conducting inquiries, a car they thought might be connected to the incident was found driving east on the A303.

The car was then stopped in the Hammersmith neighbourhood of London with assistance from police officers from Wiltshire Police, Hampshire Constabulary, Thames Valley Police, Surrey Police, and the Metropolitan Police.

After being detained on suspicion of murder, a 34-year-old Gillingham man was transferred to a hospital to receive treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

According to the police, the victims and the accused suspect knew one another.

Detectives from Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team are in charge of the investigation into the incident.

Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, of MCIT, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who sadly died and the injured woman at this extremely difficult time and they are being supported by specially-trained officers.

“We will be carrying out a full investigation to establish exactly what happened at the address in Higher Langham and I would appeal to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area on the evening of Wednesday, to please contact us.

“A cordon remains in place at the address and there will continue to be a heavy police presence in the vicinity as we carry out enquiries. Officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.”