Neighbours today reacted with shock to the investigation launched by the police after an alleged murder on their street. 

Residents of Chase Grove, Waltham Chase, have been speaking following the death of a woman in her 90s.

One resident, who didn't want to be named, told the Chronicle that the woman had been a long-term resident of many years and was living on her own.

The resident described seeing police cars and forensic teams arrive from around 4.30am on the morning of October 7.

READ MORE: Murder probe launched in Hampshire village after death of 92 year old woman

She said: “I was woken up by the sounds of all the car doors banging outside my window so I looked to see what was happening and there was a police car parked up.

“I feel so sorry for her, she was an old lady well into her 90s. No one deserves to go like that.”

Another resident, who also didn’t want to be named, said: “It was all a bit of a shock. I assumed there was something serious going on because of the people in forensic suits and officers knocking doors and asking questions but I didn’t know someone had been arrested.”

A man in his 70s, who knows the victim, has been arrested and since released on bail, said the police. Neither has been named.

In a statement to the Chronicle, the police said: "Officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in Waltham Chase.

"Police were called shortly after midnight on Friday 7 October to the report of a death of a woman in her 90s at an address in Chase Grove.

"The woman’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

"A man in his 70s, and known to the woman, has been arrested on suspicion of murder as part of enquiries, and has been bailed until November 4."

Cllr Frank Pearson, the local ward member who lives in nearby Swanmore, said: "My first reaction is that I'm absolutely horrified. I'm horrified about any murder. I find it difficult to understand how anyone can mentally be in a position to want to terminate someone's life. 

"It's even worse if the person knows the people concerned. It's more of a shock. I'm staggered."

The investigation remains ongoing.