Operation Experience: Detectives confirm name of man murdered in Southampton last week

Detectives are now in a position to release the name of the man who was murdered in Southampton last week.

Gerald Pragnell, 66, of Portsmouth Road, Southampton, was found in woodland off of Cemetery Road, on Saturday evening (3 November).

Mr Pragnell had been reported missing on 2 November, having not been seen since 6.30am on Thursday, 1 November.

Today his family have released a photograph of him.

Investigations into the exact circumstances of Mr Pragnell’s death are ongoing and officers remain in the area where his body was found, carrying out extensive enquiries.

Detectives are particularly keen to piece together Mr Pragnell’s final movements and are appealing to the public for their help with this.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Dave Morgan, said: “We know that Mr Pragnell left work at Southampton Airport at around 6.30am on Thursday, in his car, a silver Mercedes GLA, with the registration GIW 4045.

“So we are keen to find out where his car was from the point he left work at around 6.30am until around 11am later that same day.

“We would specifically like to hear from anyone who may have any dash cam footage that captures the car in and around the Inner Avenue and Bedford Place area of the city, as well as the area around Cemetery Road, where he was later found.

“If you think you may have seen his car, like the one pictured, or captured it on your dash cam between these times, please let us know.

“Any piece of information, no matter how small, could really help with our investigation, so do not hesitate to call us - the information you have could be vital.”

Seven people have been arrested in connection with this investigation.

Six have been released from custody but remain under investigation and a 34-year-old man remains in custody, after officers were granted more time to question him.

If you have any information that could assist, please call 101 and quote Operation Experience. Alternatively, make a report using the following link https://mipp.police.uk/operation/44HC18W07-PO1.

Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 1111.