A ‘charming’ company boss was found murdered in his home just a fortnight after losing his wife to cancer – with the man suspected of killing him now fighting for his life in hospital under police guard.

Nigel Key, 51, who ran a construction consultancy firm with his late wife Sheila, was found dead at the home they shared with her son in Totton, Hampshire, on Thursday afternoon.

Mrs Key died on October 2 following a short battle with cancer, only two months after her diagnosis, with her husband saying her death had left ‘an enormous hole in the world and our hearts.’

A 31-year-old man from Totton was arrested on suspicion of murder after being found with serious injuries at the scene.

Hampshire Police said he was taken to hospital for treatment and is expected to be in custody soon.

Forensics officers were seen combing the property on Friday, with a police cordon still in place along the leafy cul-de-sac as detectives continued their investigation.

Shocked neighbours said Mr Key was a ‘charming’ and ‘friendly’ man who always had time for others and played a big part in community life.

Ian Roberts, 51, said he would often say hello to the Keys, as fellow dog owners: ‘All I can say is they were a very nice couple.’ 

Nigel Key (left), 51, who ran a construction consultancy firm with his late wife Sheila (right), was found dead at the home they shared with her son in Totton, Hampshire, on Thursday afternoon

Nigel Key (left), 51, who ran a construction consultancy firm with his late wife Sheila (right), was found dead at the home they shared with her son in Totton, Hampshire, on Thursday afternoon 

Mrs Key (pictured) died on October 2 following a short battle with cancer, only two months after her diagnosis

Mrs Key (pictured) died on October 2 following a short battle with cancer, only two months after her diagnosis 

And Tina Veal, 65, said the couple, who she did not know by name, had been renting their home for five to ten years. 

The supermarket worker said Mr Key, who she dubbed ‘pleasant’, was known for decorating his house every Christmas, with an inflatable Santa Claus outside. 

She said she often greeted the Keys out and about: ‘I just said hello and had a conversation with them when I saw them out with the dog.

‘They had a chocolate Labrador. I noticed when the police came up on Thursday, they took the dog away.’

Ms Veal described the commotion at the house on Thursday as ‘crazy’. 

Their remarks come just after Mr Key paid a tribute of his own, to his wife, announcing her death on social media with ‘unbelievable sadness’. 

He wrote only last week: ‘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.

Mr Key paid tribute to his wife (pictured) on social media just last week, announcing her death with 'unbelievable sadness'

Mr Key paid tribute to his wife (pictured) on social media just last week, announcing her death with ‘unbelievable sadness’ 

‘She was an amazing wife, mum and nan.’ 

The Keys were co-directors of S&N Management Services, which consulted on project management, quantity surveying and health and safety. 

It drew on Mr Key’s two decades of engineering experience and his wife’s eight years as a qualified and registered quantity surveyor.  

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.’