Death of a woman on a country road “not suspicious”

The investigation into the death of a woman in her thirties whose body was found on a country road is no longer being treated as a possible murder case.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police were called at 17:51 BST on Tuesday to the crime scene near Whaddon Lane in Owslebury.

At the time, police said they had launched a murder investigation but wanted to remain “unbiased.”

Following an autopsy on Friday, her death is no longer considered suspicious.

In a message to residents, Det Ch Insp Matt Gillooly, who led the investigation, said: “We fully understand the concerns you may have had when you heard the news that her death was being investigated as a possible murder.”

“I would like to assure you that following yesterday’s investigation we are convinced that this is no longer the case.

“Our initial police response to this was strong and that may have worried some people in the community, but it was the right decision to ensure we conducted the most thorough investigation possible.

“I would like to thank everyone who contacted us with information, CCTV and dashboard camera footage. They have helped us get a clearer picture of what happened.

“Above all, I would like to thank the family for their help in our investigation.”

The family is being assisted by specialist officers in preparing a file for the coroner.

Officers had been conducting investigations in the area near Marwell Zoo in Winchester and members of the public laid flowers near the scene.

Police said the decision to investigate the incident as a possible murder was made “to ensure that the highest standards of evidence are met to determine the cause of death.”