The three men and one woman arrested following the discovery of a man's body in Semley have been detained for a further 24 hours.

The men in their 40s and a 25-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of murder late on Sunday and were taken into custody at Salisbury Police Station.

Police yesterday (Tuesday) applied to Salisbury magistrates for a warrant to hold the suspects for a further 36 hours while they continue with their inquiries.

The body of the local 43-year-old white man was found shortly before 6pm on Saturday in a field on land at Marshes Farm.

The man's identity is known but formal identification has yet to be completed and officers are continuing to trace his next of kin, a brother, who lives overseas.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Saunders said: "We are treating this man’s death as suspicious and have launched a murder inquiry with a team of detectives.

"Officers are conducting house-to-house inquiries in the area and our Crime Scene Investigation specialists have been working over the weekend in a number of seperate locations. The cause of the man’s death is not known at this stage.

"The scene is at a remote rural location, however I would like to hear from anyone who was in the area of The Marshes, Marshes Farm and Semley area between 8.45am on Friday and 12.30pm on Saturday."

Local Inspector Lindsey Winter said: "This tragic incident has been a shock to the community in Semley and my team are available to discuss any concerns that they may have. Residents will continue to see an increased police presence in the area as officers complete their inquiries."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Incident Room at Salisbury Police Station on 01722 435331.