THERE has been an increased police presence in Wellington today (Wednesday, February 8) following yesterday's arrest of a man and a woman on suspicion of murder.

A police cordon has been in place in Jurston Lane, where a man was found critically injured in a residential property at around 8.25am yesterday.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene shortly afterwards.

A police forensic team were at an address on the Priory of the town earlier as part of the "ongoing enquiries into this murder investigation", a force spokesperson said.

The man and woman arrested are currently in police custody.

Following the man's death and the two arrests, Detective Inspector Mark Newbury, senior investigating officer, said: “Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the man’s family.

"We have notified them of what has happened and specialist officers will be providing them with support as they try to come to terms with today’s tragic news.

“We are working hard to fully establish the circumstances of what has happened, but at this very early stage we believe this is likely to be an isolated incident. Two arrests have been made at this time.

“People living in the area can expect to see an increased police presence over the coming days while we conduct enquiries at the scene and carry out extra reassurance patrols in the area.

“While incidents of this nature are incredibly rare in Wellington, we fully appreciate today’s events will cause concern within the community.

"We’d encourage anyone who is worried to speak with those officers on patrol who will be happy to stop and assist as best they can.”