Stab death body is missing woman

Ms Poolton's family appealed to anyone with information

A body found in a car in Hampshire has been formally identified as that of a missing woman.

Paula Poolton, of Titchfield, Fareham, was found in her Peugeot 206 car in Park Gate, near to Swanwick railway station on Tuesday.

A post-mortem examination revealed the 40-year-old, who was last seen on 17 October, died from stab wounds.

Police have been granted extra time to question a 52-year-old man, from Fareham, held on suspicion of murder.

A 55-year-old, also from the town and arrested on suspicion of murder remains in police custody.

In a statement, Ms Poolton's family said: "We would like to thank everyone for their kindness, best wishes and sympathy at this traumatic time.

Police are keen to track the movements of Ms Poolton's car

"We would ask that if anyone knows of any information that could be of any use to contact the police."

The last confirmed sighting of Ms Poolton's Peugeot, prior to it being found in Duncan Road, was at Tesco in Bursledon between 2130 BST and 2140 BST on 17 October.

Det Ch Insp Gary O'Flaherty, of Hampshire Police, said: "This is obviously devastating news for Paula's family and our thoughts are with them at this time.

"It is essential to our investigation that we find out what happened to Paula between 17 October, when she went missing, and Tuesday, 28 October, when her car and body were found."