Murder Investigation Launched In Southampton

Detectives have today launched a murder enquiry following the death of a man who was left seriously injured after being attacked on Southampton Common in November last year.

Nigel Price, from Southampton, was discovered by a member of the public on The Common just after 7.30am on Saturday November 14.

The 58 year old was left with a head injury which left him in a critical condition. He improved a little and had been in a semi-coma like state for the past few months.

However, his condition has recently deteriorated and last night (Tuesday 23 March), he died at Southampton General Hospital.

Officers from the Major Crime Department are investigating the murder and are reiterating the need for witnesses to come forward so they can try and piece together exactly what happened and find whoever is responsible.

Nigel Price was a

white man
Slim build
At the time of the attack was wearing a checked shirt, blue jeans, a dark jacket with a lighter collar and dark shoes.

Police know that Mr Price was at the nearby Cowherds Pub until about 8.20pm on the Friday evening.

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Snuggs who is leading the investigation, known as Operation Levy said: “It is very sad news that Mr Price has died and our sympathy is with his family and friends.

“Officers have been thoroughly investigating what happened to him ever since the attack but, due to the added seriousness of it now being a murder inquiry, I urge people to come forward and help us, even if they were reluctant to do so before.

Were you on the Common that evening?

Did you see Mr Price?

Do you know Nigel Price and, if so, can you tell us what he was doing during the course of that evening?

Did you see or hear an altercation, raised voices or anything which you would consider out of the ordinary? The smallest detail may help.

Particularly I need to locate anyone who was in the Cemetery Road area who may have been involved in an argument with someone.”

Police also need to trace two men who were seen at about 7.15am on Saturday 14 November running towards the reservoir on the eastern side of the Common.

Both men had white skin; one was in his early 30s, 6ft tall with a slight build but muscular. He had short, light coloured hair.

The shorter man was also in his early 30s, about 5ft 8ins tall with darker hair. Both men were wearing a lightweight dark coloured anorak over dark jeans.

DCI Snuggs added: “Friday, November 13, 2009 was a stormy, wet and windy night. Despite this, a large number of people typically use The Common as one of the city’s main recreational areas, and will have been in and around the Cemetery Road/ Hill Lane on that Friday evening.

“If so we need to hear from them too as they could have vital information.”

Nigel was found in the lower part of the Common near to Hill Lane and Cemetery Road. It is not known what the motive for the attack was.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Operation Levy team at the Major Crime Department at Hulse Road on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Your call will be treated in the strictest confidence.”