THE VICTIM of a murder who was found near Smannell Road on Friday died as a result of being stabbed, a post-mortem examination confirms.

Four people who were arrested in connection with the murder of the 28-year-old man from London have been released by police, and will have no further action taken against them.

Officers were called just before 1am on Friday, 13 April after a man had been found injured in an alleyway off of Smannell Road.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at Southampton General Hospital, and police are now considering that the incident could be drugs-related.

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Chivers said: “We have already spoken to a number of people and have started to piece together a picture of what took place during the early hours of Friday morning. We are considering a number of lines of enquiry including the possibility that the incident is related to drugs.

“Police activity in the area will be ongoing throughout the weekend while our investigation continues.

“We would urge you to get in touch if you were in the area, saw what happened or have any knowledge or information connected to the incident."

The victim's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact us on 101, quoting 44180135063.