Neighbours in Rodbourne say they are shocked by a murder investigation happening on their doorstep.

A man in his 50s was found dead by emergency services when they rushed to Westbourne Court in the early hours of Sunday morning, following allegations of a 'serious assault'.

Police subsequently arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of murder and he remains in police custody. A house in the street has been cordoned off while the Major Crime Investigation team carry out their work.

Residents were surprised to hear about the ongoing investigation.Swindon Advertiser:

One woman, Li Thoo, explained that the area is usually safe and to hear about this took her and her partner completely by surprise.

She said: “We have lived here for ages and we know most of our neighbours, it’s a lovely neighbourhood.

“It is unusual, I wouldn’t have thought it would happen because there is lots of families around here.

“It is a really lovely, family-orientated neighbourhood.”

Another local resident, Dariusz, who lives just round the corner from the crime scene, echoed those sentiments.

He said: “Usually it is a nice area but incidents do happen from time to time."Swindon Advertiser:

“It doesn’t affect me because I don’t know anyone.”

One woman who lives close to the crime scene was taken aback by the news.

She also explained that the area is safe, adding there is a community centre across the road.

Det Supt Chris Feerick said: “This is a serious incident which has sadly resulted in a man losing his life.

“I appreciate the community concern this incident will cause but please be reassured that at no point was there a threat to the wider public.”