BASINGSTOKE residents have been left shocked and shaken following a suspected double murder.

A man in his 60’s and a woman in her 20’s were found dead in a property on Buckland Avenue, South Ham, in the early hours of this morning (Sunday, June 20).

They were both pronounced dead at the scene, with a 52-year-old man arrested on suspicion of their murder.

Gill White told The Gazette that a neighbour had heard what she thought was lightning early this morning.

“She said it all lit up, it must have be a police car rushing down," she said.

"The first thing we saw was a police car go down later this morning, and then when we went out we saw it was across the road."

Like many residents spoken to by The Gazette, she expressed shock at the news.

"Goodness me," she said. "Things like that don't happen around here. It's mainly older people that live here. I'm really shocked. I know things sometimes happen in South Ham, but never down here."

Further down the road, a man and woman who didn't want to be named expressed their condolences, saying it was a "sad" incident that was "very unfortunate".

Meanwhile, Mrs Hewlett expressed her saddness and grief over the incident.

"How awful!" she said. "I found out because my daughter had heard, but a suspected double murder in this street, my God!"

She added: "I didn't see or hear a thing as it was very early in the morning."

Residents have been offered support by their vicar, Alison Bennett. She told The Gazette that in other circumstances, she would have opened St Peter’s Church, South Ham.

“I’m unable to open the church at all because of Covid restrictions that are still in place,” she said, “but I’ve offered my support and contact for anyone who needs someone to talk to.”

Posting separately on Facebook, she said: “I’m sure that many of you will now be aware of the very sad news of a double murder in Buckland Avenue, South Ham. I am the vicar of St Peter’s Church South Ham and in non-Covid circumstances we would have hoped to open the church for those wishing to light a candle or spend some time in quiet.

“Sadly, we are currently unable to offer this but I would be happy to talk with anyone who needs support. My number is 01256 412596. We are praying as a church for all those involved in this tragic situation.”