A POLICE presence remains in Brighton Hill following an incident where a man was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries.

A property in Gershwin Road is cordoned off, with officers patrolling the area.

It is believed that increased presence of officers is connected to an incident which happened on Thursday night (October 31), where a 31-year-old man was the victim of an assault and was taken to hospital with head injuries and his condition is described as life threatening.

A second victim, a 58-year-old man from Basingstoke, also received hospital treatment after being sprayed with an unknown substance. His injuries are not believed to be serious.

One resident, who didn’t wish to be named told the Gazette: “They [the police] have had forensics sifting through everything, even an inch by inch search of gardens and grass area outside the property.

“They have also had officers on guard 24 hours.”

Another resident added: “There has been police everywhere down there looking in the bins and grass looking for evidence.”

Detective Chief Inspector Justin Torgout from Hampshire Constabulary said: “We would like to reassure the public that we are treating this incident as a targeted event.

“A scene is in place in Gershwin Road and officers are carrying out house to house enquiries.

“Officers will also be carrying out extra patrols in the area so if you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to speak to them.

“If you were in the vicinity and you saw or heard anything suspicious - or if you have CCTV or dash cam footage, please get in touch.”

Anyone who was in the area at the time and has information or CCTV or dashcam footage is advised to contact the police on 101 and quoting reference 44190391459.