Murder probe at home of former champion boxer Shaun Cummins

A murder investigation has been launched after the discovery of a man's body at the home of a former champion boxer.

Yesterday, shocked residents of the Saffron Lane estate, in Leicester, gathered outside the house of the retired fighter Shaun Cummins while forensic officers searched the home.

Police had been called to the property, in Marriott Road, at about 3.30pm on Wednesday.

Neighbours told the Mercury they had seen officers scouring the garden and shining torches through the window before breaking down the front door.

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An 18-year-old resident, who asked not to be named, said: "At about 2am, I saw two men in suits put a body bag in the back of a unmarked van, it wasn't a police van or anything.

"Then some forensics came out carrying another bag – I don't know what was in that one."

A cordon around the home remained in place as officers stood guard last night.

A 28-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the investigation.

Susan Vincent, 44, who lives nearby, said: "It's a right shock.

"It's worrying to think about everything that goes on on your doorstep."

Emma Short, 40, said: "I can't believe it. I know there have been a few bad things happen round here in the past but a murder is something else."

Sisters Amy, 28, and Rachel Potter, 26, who live in nearby Broughton Road, were among the crowd who had gathered in the street last night as the forensic investigations continued.

Amy said: "My cousins and their friend came back to the house and told us about this and we had to come and see what was going on.

"I couldn't believe it.

"I live in London and I was only back visiting and there's a murder in the neighbourhood – it's a bit shocking really."

Mr Cummins, nicknamed "The Guvnor" was seriously injured in a motorbike accident in 2004.

He made his professional debut at Loughborough Town Hall in 1986 and went on to win the WBA Pentacontinental light-middleweight belt. He retired in 1995 with a record of 22 wins, six defeats and a draw.

A neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I know him. He's been there for about six years and he's bedridden – he comes out very rarely.

"He has a care worker visit him and another younger guy comes round every day, but we don't know who that is."

The police have not revealed of the identity of the murdered man.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Hewson, who is leading the murder inquiry, said: "Our investigation is in its very early stages and we are currently trying to establish what has happened.

"We are trying to piece together the circumstances that led to this death and would urge anyone who has information or recalls seeing anything suspicious to please contact police."

Anyone with information can call police on 101.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.