A murder inquiry has been launched after the body of a woman was found on the rooftop of a property at the rear of a busy pedestrianised shopping precinct.

Police were called to a road in Southsea, Hampshire at 10.50am following the discovery at the rear of flats above a row of shops.

A white forensics’ tent was visible on the flat roof at the property accessible from a road which had been closed off by police.

Plain clothes detectives were standing on the ground below the roof.

A 53-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, according to Hampshire police.

A force spokesman said: “Officers are investigating after the body of a woman was found on Palmerston Road, Southsea at around 10.50am this morning.

A large police presence remained in the area today
“It was found on a roof of a building.

“A 53-year-old man from Southsea has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody.”

Retired shop worker Holly Heasman lives on the road and was shocked to come home to find a large police presence.

She told The Portsmouth News : “I’m shocked, it’s terrible.

“She might have family, what about her family?”

Jonathan Chubb was equally taken back by the death.

“I can’t believe there’s been a murder,” the 59-year-old said.

“In all the 20 years I’ve lived here I’ve never known there to be a murder.”