A MURDER inquiry has been launched following the death of a man in Burnham-on-Sea. 

Police were called at 11.56pm yesterday (July 10) to reports of an assault at a property on Churchill Close near Worston Lane. 

A 40-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

A woman and a man have been arrested in connection with the incident and remain in police custody. 

Churchill Close has been cordoned off by police while investigations take place. 

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said: "A post-mortem examination will be carried out by a Home Office pathologist in due course.

Formal identification procedures have not yet taken place.

A 43-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman have been arrested in connection with the incident and remain in police custody.

DCI James Riccio said: “This investigation is at a very early stage and we are doing everything possible to determine how the man died.

“We’re treating the death as murder due to the injuries the man received.

“His next of kin have been informed and specially trained officers are offering support to his family.

“Two people have been arrested and are currently in custody for questioning.

“Specialist crime scene investigators are now examining the scene while there is also an increased police presence in the area for reassurance.

“We’re aware this will have an impact on the wider community and I’d like to reassure people we believe this to be an isolate incident.

“Anyone with any concerns is encouraged to contact their local neighbourhood team.”

Neighbours said they were shocked such a thing could happen in what is normally a quiet area.

A couple on Churchill Close said: "We didn't know them but it was we think they had only moved in in the last couple of months.

"We didn't really hear anything last night, but I was shocked when I drew the curtains and there was police tape opposite and a number of police vehicles.

"It is generally pretty quiet here, so it is horrible to have something like happen."

Another resident on Worston Avenue said: "I have seen people from forensics going in and out of the property all morning, it must be something very serious.

"I am very surprised something like that has happened here."