A BUSINESSMAN has been found murdered in his home just weeks after his wife died from cancer.
The man suspected of killing Nigel Key, 51, was also found at the scene with serious injuries.
Mr Key and his beloved late wife Sheila ran a construction consultancy firm together and lived in Totton, Hampshire.
Mrs Key, who worked as a quantity surveyor, passed away on October 2, just two months after her diagnosis.
Her husband said that her death had left “an enormous hole in the world and in our hearts.”
But on October 16, Mr Key was found dead in his home.
Hampshire Police said the suspect was taken to hospital for urgent treatment.
He will be taken into custody once he is stable.
The day after the tragic discovery, forensics officers were seen gathering evidence at the family home.
Their Labrador was also taken from the property.
Mr Key’s death has sent shockwaves through the area, with neighbours sharing tributes.
Ian Roberts, 51, a resident, told MailOnline: “All I can say is they were a really nice couple.”
Others said that Mr Key was a “charming” and “friendly” man who was heavily involved in the community.
Mr Key was known for decorating his house every Christmas and even had a giant inflatable Santa outside.
It was only last week that he shared the news on social media of his wife’s passing.
He wrote: “Despite a valiant battle with intensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy, no one was expecting it to take her so soon.
“She was admitted to hospital in the early hours with breathing difficulties and passed mid morning.
“I would love to tell you all individually so I could share your memories of her but it is just not possible. For me, being my wife says everything that needs to be said.
“She was an amazing wife, mum and nan.”
A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: “We were called at 1.32pm on Thursday 16 October to a report that a man had been seriously assaulted at an address on Matley Gardens, Totton.
“Officers were quickly on the scene, along with our South Central Ambulance Service partners.
“A 51-year-old man from Totton was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. His family has been notified and is being supported by specialist officers.
“A 31-year-old man from Totton has been arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to hospital for medical treatment, he is expected to enter custody in due course.
“Detectives remain at the scene as our investigation and enquiries continue to establish what happened.
“Anyone with any concerns or information can speak to one of our uniformed Neighbourhood Policing Team patrols in the area.”
