CCTV in churchyard murder probe

Mr Wickham was captured on CCTV about two hours before he died

CCTV images showing a man shortly before he was murdered in an apparently unprovoked attack in a churchyard have been released by police.

William Wickham, 44, of South Street, Gosport, died near his home, close to Holy Trinity Church, on Monday night.

Two boys, aged 15 and 16, are being held over the murder and two men, aged 32 and 47, were arrested earlier in the week and later released on bail.

Post-mortem tests showed Mr Wickham had died of a serious physical assault.

The CCTV images shows Mr Wickham at 2000 GMT, about two hours before he died, in a wine store near where he was later attacked.

'Sustained assault'

Det Ch Insp Scott Chilton said: "He is wearing the clothes he was assaulted in and people may recognise him.

"He is a local man who was often seen in the area of Holy Trinity Church. People may know him better as 'Bilbo' or 'Bill'.

"I am particularly interested in tracing the victim's movements during the day and evening of Monday until the time of his death at approximately 10.15pm.

"I am also very keen to hear from anybody who may have seen two people wearing hooded tops, running away from the Trinity Green area towards Canoe Lake car park between 10pm and 10.30pm."

"This was a severe and sustained assault.

"I believe people know who committed this crime and may be reluctant to come forward. No matter how insignificant you think your information might be, it essential you speak to us."