A MAN was stabbed to death in Abingdon last night.

Police have launched a murder inquiry and arrested a woman after the man in his 30s was found with stab wounds on the Thames near Bridge Street in the town.

The victim, a man in his thirties, was taken to hospital by South Central Ambulance Service, where he died of his injuries.

A spokeswoman for the ambulance service said they were called to reports a man had been stabbed on a boat. 

Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Brown said police were called to the area to reports the man had been stabbed just after 7.30pm on Sunday.

He was rushed to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford but died from his injuries. His relatives have been told he has died.

The arrested woman remains in custody this morning.

Mr Brown said: “The investigation is at a very early stage, however, we believe this to be an isolated incident.

“A 39-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

“Extensive forensic work is being undertaken and a scene watch in place in the area nearby Bridge Street in Abingdon. I would ask local residents for their understanding and cooperation during this critical part of the investigation.”

Residents living nearby reported seeing a police helicopter overhead last night. One woman told the Oxford Mail: "It was going round and round and flying very low. It was very loud and they were using a searchlight."

Brenda Baker of Kingcraft Boat Centre, based on Nag's Head Island opposite, said it was a popular spot for holidaymakers. 

She said: "It's normally a nice spot. A lot of people come by who live there and it also gets a lot of holidaymakers. People moor there and then walk in to Abingdon."

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Oxford Mail newsdesk on (01865) 425500 or 07767 417704.

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