Gosport murder probe: Identity revealed of victim

Dr Barry Hounsome, 54, an academic who lectures at universities, was found killed at the £200,000 bungalow where he lived with economist Natalia Hounsome.

The medical professional previously worked at the University of Southampton - a Russell Group university.

Dr Hounsome, who has also worked at Bangor University, Wales, lectured in health science and has conducted studies into diseases including Parkinson's and dementia.

His wife, who neighbours in the quiet road said is German, is a lecturer in health economics who has worked at several universities in the UK after completing her PhD in Moscow, Russia, in 1996.

The 16-year-old suspect, from Gosport, was arrested after police were called to the couple's home in Gosport on Monday night, and it today remained taped off as detectives investigate Dr Hounsome's death.

His identity emerged today. Neighbour and friend of the couple, Walter Knight, today said he has been left devastated by Dr Hounsome's death.

Retired Mr Knight said the 'very intelligent' couple have a teenage son who studies at college.

Mr Knight said: "It's such a shame what's happened, the husband and wife were very lovely people.

'˜She was from somewhere in Germany, but I'm not completely sure.

'˜They were very nice people, they even got me a Christmas card every year.

'˜I didn't know what they did for a living but they were very friendly, they kept themselves to themselves.

'˜They were very quiet, but when you did speak to them you could tell they were very intelligent people.

'˜They had a son, I'm not sure how old he is but I think he is at college - I never really see him.'

Another neighbour in his 50s, who didn't wish to be named, said he is 'heartbroken' after losing his 'friend' Dr Hounsome.

He said: '˜It's heartbreaking you know, he wasn't just a neighbour, he was a friend - him and his wife.

'˜They were such lovely and kind people who could never hurt a soul, I just don't know how something like this could happen.

'˜I'm truly devastated by it all.

'˜Natalia is not from the UK and all of her family are abroad, I feel so bad for her.

'˜To lose a husband is such a tragic thing to have happened.'

The University of Southampton confirmed Dr Hounsome was last employed in 2014.

It is understood he carried out work at the Faculty of Health Sciences at Southampton General Hospital during his time at the university.

A spokesman from the university added: '˜As this is a matter of ongoing police investigation, the university is unable to comment at this stage.'

A spokeswoman from Bangor University said though Dr Hounsome 'contributed' to studies at the university with fellow medical professionals.

Hampshire Constabulary spokeswoman Nikki Holt said: '˜Next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. Formal identification procedures are ongoing.

'˜A 16-year-old boy, from Gosport, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody.

'˜We understand there will be concern among residents within the neighbourhood but we would like to reassure them that at this stage this is being treated as an isolated incident.'

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