A 25-year-old man remained in custody last night in connection with the death of Royal Bermuda Regiment sergeant Dejion Stange-Simmons.

The body of Mr Stange-Simmons was discovered in a Southampton parish property on Thursday night by officers executing a search warrant. Police have not released details of the injuries suffered by the 26-year-old, but have confirmed that a murder investigation is under way. His death prompted tributes from across the community including Michael Dunkley, the Premier, and Regiment Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Michael Foster-Brown.

Over the weekend Walter Roban, the Shadow Minister of National Security, added his party’s condolences to Mr Stange-Simmons’ family.

He said: “On behalf of my colleagues at the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party, we would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Sergeant Dejion Stange-Simmons. Sgt Stange-Simmons was a well-known young man who committed to service for his country, and this event is incredibly unfortunate.

“His family and friends remain in our thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult period.”

The Governor, George Fergusson, weighed in on Saturday morning with his recollections of Mr Stange-Simmons.

“I have been really shocked at the sad death of Sgt Stange-Simmons and I know that his colleagues in the regiment have suffered a significant loss. This will also be a terrible sadness for his family and friends.

“I met Sgt Stange only once or twice but know that he was held in very high regard. In his time attached to the Welsh Guards in Kenya last year, he was a great ambassador for Bermuda.”

Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances that led to Mr Stange-Simmons’ death. Anyone with information should contact the Serious Crime Unit on 247-1739 or call the anonymous and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline on 800-8477.

• On occasion The Royal Gazette may decide to not allow comments on what we consider to be a controversial or contentious story. As we are legally liable for any slanderous or defamatory comments made on our website, this move is for our protection as well as that of our readers.