Arrested man drank pesticide in suicide bid

A man arrested in connection with the murder of his wife drank pesticide in an attempt to take his own life, police said today.

The chemical seeped through his skin, causing irritation to medical staff treating him in hospital after his arrest, a Hampshire Police spokeswoman said.

The dead woman, aged 40, who was identified locally as mother-of-four Margaret Kibuuka, was found in her home in the Shirley area of Southampton on Sunday morning after a call from a member of the public.

Her husband, who was named as George Kibuuka, is in Southampton General Hospital and is also being treated for a stab wound, the spokeswoman said.

Firefighters were called to the house in Richville Road and wore chemical protection suits to take away hazardous materials.

Detectives are trying to establish the circumstances leading to the woman's death. They are standing guard at Mr Kibuuka's bedside and will interview him when he is well enough.

A post-mortem examination will be conducted on the dead woman today.

Detective Inspector Dave Dilly who is leading the investigation, said: "Early indications suggest that this incident does not involve anyone else other than those mentioned and members of the public should therefore not be concerned. We are however keeping an open mind until we have spoken to the man."