"Scared" residents reveal how "peaceful" road transformed into scene of "terror" over alleged murder

“Upset” and “scared” residents have revealed how their “peaceful” road was transformed into a scene of “terror” following an alleged murder.

Police were called just before 10am on Monday 14 September to a “concern for welfare” following a “domestic incident” at an address on Cyprus Road, Fratton, before discovering Carole Langley, 74, dead.

Scott Langley, 48, of St. Pauls Road in Southsea, has been charged with murder and is due before Portsmouth Crown Court on Friday.

Locals told The News how police were seen banging on the victim’s door before a man was arrested as shouting was heard in the street.

Barry Kembel, 78, has lived in the street for 45 years and said he had never witnessed scenes like it before. He said: “Police were knocking on the door when we got back from shopping. I was being nosey seeing what was going on and saw police put tape out and saw the forensics coming and going like yo yos.

“I didn’t know about any problems (at Ms Langley’s house) and never heard any shouting, it came out of the blue and was a total surprise. I don’t know anything about them.

“It upset my wife but I’m too old for that. It goes on all over the country. S*** happens.

“It’s normally a peaceful place. I get on well with the neighbours. People are quite friendly…it’s the first time anything like this has happened in 45 years we’ve been living here.”

A male resident, who did not want to be named, said “I came back and the road was blocked and I later heard what happened. I’ve only been here two months. It’s unthinkable.

“It’s normally very quiet. People are kind and might say hello but keep themselves to themselves. It’s terrifying.”

A woman said the incident had left her “shocked and scared” with her witnessing “shouting” as police arrested Langley.

Another man, who lives inside the large cordon of eight houses, said: “We only just got back from holiday and came back to this, but it is what it is.”

A local who lived several streets away said he took a detour via Cyprus Road on the way back from shopping to be “nosey”. He said: “It doesn’t make sense, it’s very unusual, especially around here.

“I can’t understand why the police are still here and why the cordon is still up if he’s been charged.”

Meanwhile, as reported earlier by The News, Hampshire police said they had made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over their response to the incident.

Hampshire police has not yet responded on details for its mandatory referral but the IOPC said it relates to “contact made with police prior to (Ms Langley’s) death”. Specifically, this was in relation to a phone call made to the force on the morning of Monday (14 September) before she was found dead.

An IOPC spokesperson said: “We have received a mandatory referral from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary relating to the death of Carole Langley following police contact on 14 September.

“The force attended a report of a domestic incident where Mrs Langley was located and sadly pronounced deceased. We are assessing the referral and will decide whether further action is required from us.”

In a tribute from Carole’s family, they said: “Carole was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and sister.

“She was a kind and loving person who always put her family and loved ones before herself. Her love, kindness and beautiful memories will live on in all of us.

“The family would like to thank everyone who has left kind messages of condolence but please ask to respect our privacy at this very difficult time.”