Carterton councillors have expressed their 'sadness' but said such violent crime was 'exceedingly rare' after police launched a murder investigation following the death of a man on a new estate.

The man in his 20s died on Monday night after reports of a disturbance at a property on the Brize Meadow development off Monahan Way which is still partly under construction.

Town mayor Nick Leverton said: "I believe that the public are greatly saddened by the events that have taken place recently and collectively their thoughts and prayers go to the family of the victim."

But he added: "Violent crime of this nature is exceedingly rare in our area and I know the community will be relieved by the very quick action of Thames Valley Police who made an arrest very soon after the incident took place.

READ ALSO: Daylight shooting on Cowley Road earns gunman 25 months in jail

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the agencies who are involved in the unseen work that is carried out when events like this take place.

"I would ask the public to wait for official announcements from TVP to gather the facts surrounding the incident."

A 28-year-old man from Milton Keynes was arrested overnight on Wednesday (18/1) on suspicion of murder and he remains in police custody.

A 44-year-old man from Carterton previously arrested in South Wales on suspicion of murder also remains in police custody. 

West Oxfordshire District councillor Rosie Pearson, who represents Brize Norton and Shilton, said: “It’s distressing for the community.

"Brize Meadow is a new community which is just beginning to cohere and come together as part of Brize Norton.”

On Tuesday night even close neighbours of the property and builders on-site yards away did not appear to have heard about the incident.

Forensics officers were seen going in and out of the detached house and there remains a scene-watch at the taped-off property in Lock Court while the investigation continues.

Police were quick to reassure local residents that they did not believe there to be a wider risk to the community.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Jon Capps of the Major Crime Unit said: “There continues to be an increased police presence in the area.

READ ALSO: Two teenage boys arrested after drug incident in Faringdon

“Although I do not believe there to be a wider risk to the local community, please don’t hesitate to speak to any of our officers with any concerns you may have."

Anyone with information that could help the investigation is asked to raise this with officers, report it online or call 101, quoting reference 43230023785.

 

Read more from this author

This story was written by Miranda Norris, she joined the team in 2021 and covers news across Oxfordshire as well as news from Witney.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Miranda.Norris@newsquest.co.uk. Or find her on Twitter: @Mirandajnorris

Profile: Miranda Norris Journalists news from the Oxford Mail