DETECTIVES have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in Wellington.

Emergency services were called to a property in Jurston Lane at about 8.25am on Tuesday and found the man critically injured.

Despite the efforts of paramedics the man was pronounced dead at the scene a short while later.

Police said on Tuesday evening a man and a woman had been arrested on suspicion of murder and both were in custody.

Senior investigating officer Det Insp Mark Newbury said: “Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the man's family.

“We have notified them of what has happened and specialist officers will be providing them with support as they try to come to terms with today’s tragic news.

“We are working hard to fully establish the circumstances of what has happened, but at this very early stage we believe this is likely to be an isolated incident.

“Two arrests have been made at this time.

“People living in the area can expect to see an increased police presence over the coming days while we conduct inquiries at the scene and carry out extra reassurance patrols in the area.

“While incidents of this nature are incredibly rare in Wellington, we fully appreciate today’s events will cause concern within the community.

“We would encourage anybody who is worried to speak with those officers on patrol who will be happy to stop and assist as best they can.”

DI Newbury said anybody who might be able to help the police investigation should call 101 and provide the call handler with the reference number 5223029844.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers would take information anonymously via its website or by calling 0800 555111.

The incident has seen Jurston Lane cordoned off by police all day with access restricted to residents who could prove they lived on the estate.

A large presence of emergency services was maintained all day with at least five police vehicles and ambulances and paramedics cars in attendance, and detectives and uniformed officers.

Wellington Cllr Andrew Govier, who lives within sight of the alleged murder scene, said the news had shocked local residents.

Cllr Govier said: “Wellington is generally a very safe place to live and events like this are, thankfully, extremely rare.

“It has come as a real shock to the local community.”

Cllr Govier said Wellington’s new police Sgt Kat Forrest had attended Monday evening’s town council meeting to report on policing activities and crime.

He said: “There was a strong desire from the local council to work with the police to keep people safe.

“In light of this tragedy, I am sure we will strengthen our resolve to do this.”

The first that Cllr Govier became aware of the incident was when he saw a number of police cars appear at the property.

He said: “There was increasing police activity through the rest of the morning and it was clear from the numbers in attendance that something serious had occurred.

“It later emerged that there had been a tragic event and someone had lost their life.

“The police have continued to be at the property all day and the road was cordoned off when I passed earlier.

“As well as uniformed police officers and PCSOs, I have seen scenes of crime officers going into the property.”

Cllr Govier said he saw police forensics officers in white plastic outfits searching the area.

Although the names of those said to be involved were circulating on social media, the Wellington Weekly News has chosen to wait until the details have been officially confirmed.

Police have asked people not to speculate about the circumstances of what has happened. The force has not released the name of the man who died or the nature of his injuries.