RESIDENTS of Chapel Gate in Basingstoke have reacted with shock after discovering that a man in his 40s was stabbed to death and three others have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Dozens of police officers remained at the scene today, with various areas cordoned off by police tape including a bin store, alleyway, and multiple homes in Kingsclere Road and Braddock Court, directly outside a children’s play park.

Tara Jones, whose home, along with others in Braddock Court, is cordoned off, with a police officer patrolling outside, told the Gazette she was in the park with her child when emergency services including an air ambulance arrived at around 6.49pm on Monday, April 29 to reports of a stabbing.

READ MORE: Three arrested on suspicion of murder after man stabbed to death

Basingstoke Gazette: Officers remain at the scene in Chapel Gate after a man was stabbed to deathThe 32-year-old mother-of-one said: “There’s always something going on in this neighbourhood.

"I saw the ambulance and police and everyone was out on the field. I didn’t hear or see anything. I was watching my kid in the park and because there’s always lots of shouting, I didn’t pay any attention. People have walked past my house with machetes before.

“It’s otherwise a lovely area and everybody gets on. We all talk to each other.”

She added: “This happened right outside the park. A lot of us feel you have to watch the children, I won’t leave my child to go into the park.”

Another resident, who did not want to be named, also said the area has been blighted with problems.

Basingstoke Gazette: Officers remain at the scene in Chapel Gate after a man was stabbed to deathThe 29-year-old mother-of-five said: “Where I live it’s quiet but up here is different. It’s awful around here. My mum moved here from Brighton Hill and she couldn’t sleep last night, it was horrible.

“Having my mum live here I’m frightened for her, it’s horrible. I’m sorry for that poor man, he didn’t deserve to die.”

She also criticised the police for failing to provide reassurance or information regarding the incident.

Hampshire Constabulary did not provide a statement until 10.48am the following day, on Tuesday, April 30.

“We had no idea if someone dangerous was still out there,” she said.

The woman’s mother, who lives in a block of flats near where the incident happened, said: “The first thing I heard was the helicopter and I looked out and saw police and thought ‘something bad has gone on’.

“I know the man who was murdered. I have known him for many years.”

She said several of the flats nearby, belonging to Vivid, had been vacated because of problems in the area and have remained empty since.

“It’s scary,” said the mother-of-six and grandmother of 20, adding: “My door [to the block of flats] doesn’t even shut properly.

“As soon as I saw the ambulance go, we knew that someone had died.”

Hampshire Constabulary said three men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man in his 40s was pronounced dead at the scene.

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

Officers have launched an investigation and three men from Basingstoke, aged 48, 43 and 42, have been arrested on suspicion of murder. They remain in custody.

Police are continuing to establish the circumstances leading to the man’s death and will remain in the area while enquiries continue.

Anyone with any concerns is being asked to speak to an officer on the scene.

Chief Inspector Scott Johnson, District Commander for Basingstoke, said: “We know this incident will be concerning for the local community, however please be reassured that we are working hard to establish the exact circumstances of what took place.

“Officers are carrying out extensive enquiries in the local area, and at this stage, we believe there is no wider risk to the public at this time.

“There will also be increased patrols in the area to provide reassurance. If you have any concerns or information, please don’t hesitate to speak to our officers.

“Our teams are keen to hear from anyone who has any information about what happened. Were you in the Braddock Court area last night? Did you see or hear anything unusual or concerning?

“Do you have any doorbell, dashcam or CCTV footage which may help the investigation?”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 101 quoting reference 44240179161.

You can also report online via the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary website: hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or via crimestoppers-uk.org.