A MURDER victim from Basingstoke was stabbed to death, police have confirmed.

Hampshire Constabulary has told The Gazette that 31-year-old Dean Evans was taken to hospital with stab wounds, after he was found lying in Benham Road, Popley at 5.30am on Friday.

He died in hospital a short time later.

Police have since charged two people with his murder - Liam Darvill, 20, of Beaconsfield Road, Basingstoke, and Thomas David Harris, 22, of Eastrop Way, Basingstoke, who were both due to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates Court today.

A third person, a 22-year-old man from Basingstoke, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, was released on police bail pending further enquiries and is due to return to police on June 13.

Floral tributes have been left to Mr Evans at the scene of the crime, as friends and family reacted in shock to the news of his death.

One read: "You'll always be in our thoughts. RIP Dean. Love Josh and Kim."

Another said: "You've gained your angel wings too early. Gentle giant who gave everyone so many great memories."

Part of Benham Road is still cordoned off and police remain at the scene whilst the investigation continues.

Hampshire Constabulary reassured the public that the murder appears to be an isolated incident.

Detective Inspector Simon Baker said: "We would like to reassure members of the public that there is no risk to the wider community at this stage of our investigations.

"If anyone has any concerns or has information that may assist with this investigation then we would ask them to call us via 101, quoting 44160133129."