A MAN has been charged and two men have been arrested after a man was stabbed to death in a "horrific" incident.

Police launched a murder inquiry after the body of Michael Freshwater, 49, was found in a a flat on Westridge Road, Southampton.

The road was cordoned off after his body was discovered at about 4.15pm on Friday, April 29.

A 26-year-old man and a 35-year old man were arrested by police but both have been bailed and released without charge.

The developments come as tributes were paid to the dad-of-four, known as Micky, who was a former boxer.

Now Ashton Singh, 26, of Westridge Road, Southampton has been charged with perverting the course of justice and will appear at Southampton Magistrates' Court this morning.

Officers have also arrested a 22-year-old man on suspicion of assisting an offender and a 44-year-old man on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Both are in police custody and are being questioned by officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Heelan said: “We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder of Michael Freshwater and are currently following a number of lines of enquiry.

"We have been speaking to people and carrying out enquiries at the scene.

"This has enabled us to build up a picture of what we think happened leading up to, during, and after this horrific incident.

“As part of our enquiries we have located a firearm that we know was present at the time of the murder.

"However, there is nothing to suggest anyone was injured by the firearm.

“We continue to appeal for information and would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed or heard a dispute at the address.

"Please come and speak to us, in confidence, and tell us what you know.”

Friends of the plasterer and keen West Ham fan paid tribute to him in an outpouring of emotion.

It followed his partner Jenny Downey remembering him as a “a truly amazing soul” with a “beautiful heart”.

As previously reported a post-mortem revealed Mr Freshwater, who lived in the Swaythling area, had sustained a stab wound, and last night police had yet to disclose the nature of the weapon.

Mr Freshwater was a keen boxer in his younger days and had moved to the city around five years ago from his native London.

He liked to keep fit and was a familiar face in Exile Gym in Shirley which specialises in mixed martial arts where he encouraged youngsters coming through the ranks.

Manager Dean Kendall said: “He was a happy-go-lucky guy who was a lovely fellow. 

“I am just so shocked that he is gone.
“A lot of people come into the gym and there are youngsters coming through that need guidance.

“Micky was one of those older guys who had lots of stories to tell and had a lot more knowledge and would want to help them out.

“He was into fitness and kept himself in good shape.”

He hailed him as a “family man” and said: “I feel absolutely gutted for his family. I met his youngest daughter and he had a really strong bond with her.

“I feel gutted for her and that is the saddest part. I just hope the police get to the bottom of what happened.”

Mo Abdurahman, 20, a promising Thai boxing training there, added: “Everyone is so shocked that it just hasn’t seemed to sink in yet.

“He helped me a lot and always wanted to give people guidance and advice. He had an infectious laugh. Every time he laughed everyone else would end up laughing too.”

Other friends took to social media to express their shock.

Sara Abbot wrote: “Still trying to get my head around yesterdays horrible news. I knew him to be a lovely, cheeky, funny and kind person to work with. Can’t imagine how his family and friends are feeling. RIP Micky; you’ll be missed!”

Tracey Miller wrote: “We’ll miss you brother you had a heart of gold, you will be missed, love you bruv.”

Last night the multiple-occupancy house remained taped off by police who have obscured the building’s windows with black tarpaulin and have also set up a marquee in the front garden

Extra patrols were also launched throughout the weekend to reassure residents, although police have stressed it is an “isolated incident”.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Major Crime Investigation Team at Southampton Central police station on 101, quoting Operation Windless, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.