Man due to appear in court this morning after body found on Southampton Common

The body was found near Cemetery Road by the Common on Saturday

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A 34-year old man will appear in court today, on suspicion of murdering Gerald Pragnell, the 66-year-old man whose body was found on the evening of the 3rd November.

Pragnell's body was found in the woodlands near Cemetery Road, on the edge of Southampton Common, after having been reported missing since 6:30am on Thursday 1st November. He was last seen after his shift the previous evening at Southampton Airport.

The scene and surrounding woodland area in Southampton Common are being guarded by police and it is not currently accessible to the public. Cemetery Road is also cordoned off whilst the investigation continues.

Police launched a murder enquiry after recovering the body and arrested seven people (six males aged 20, 23, 24, 25 and 34 and one female, 31), of which six were released. They were given extra time to question 34-year-old Tommy Scott, who will appear in court this morning.

Detective Chief Inspector Morgan, the leading officer in this case, urges anyone who was within the vicinity of Southampton Common between midnight and 5pm on November 1st to come forward with any information.

The victim was driving through Southampton in a silver Mercedes GLA, registration GIW 4045, and the public have been asked to contact the police if they recall seeing the car anywhere.

The family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.