Fight stab murder suspect arrested

A suspect wanted in connection with the murder of a man stabbed to death in a fight at a late-night party has been arrested.

Hampshire Constabulary detained Sean Bailey, 28, on suspicion of killing Simon Warton.

Bailey, from Waterlooville, was found at a flat inside Southampton House, Broadmere Avenue, in Havant, Hampshire, a police spokesman said.

He had been taken into police custody for questioning and Mr Warton's family had been told of the arrest by a police family liaison officer, he added.

Mr Warton, 27, was found injured by police who were called to a disturbance in Dove Close, Waterlooville, Hampshire, at 5.30am on Thursday.

The father of one, of Orsmond Close, Waterlooville, was taken to hospital where he was later pronounced dead. A post-mortem examination found Mr Warton died from a stab wound, a Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said.

His mother, Dawn Warton, said the family had received lots of support. She said: "The family is very grateful for all the support and wishes from Simon's friends who have been sharing stories of him. All of us know Simon had a great sense of humour and was a fun-loving person. Simon always tried to be a good son and he adored his daughter."

Police named Bailey on Thursday and called for the public's help in tracing him. An appeal was also made on Thursday to trace a 16-year-old girl who had been seen with Bailey earlier that day, but she was later found safe and well.

The police spokesman said: "Hampshire Constabulary would like to thank members of the public in the Broadmere Avenue area for their understanding and co-operation."

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to phone the Operation Malvern team at Fratton police station on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.