Man released following discovery of body of man in North Dorset
The death of the man - named 'Damian' - remains unexplained
Last updated 28th May 2025
A man has been released pending investigation following the discovery of the body of a man in North Dorset.
Officers were first alerted to an incident taking place in the area of Newton Hill near Sturminster Newton at around 12:45pm on Saturday (May 24th).
Dorset Police said the body is believed to be that of a missing 23-year-old named "Damian", who had been missing for a week when the body was discovered.
Damian's family has been informed of the discovery and remains being supported by specialist officers, the force had said.
Now, the force has said that Damian's death is still being treated as "unexplained" following the discovery of his body.
During their initial investigations, officers arrested a man in his 30s from the Blandford area on suspicion of murder.
Following this, the man - who was believed to have known Damian - was taken in for questioning, but has now been released on bail whilst the investigation continues.
Speaking on the case, Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins from Dorset Police paid tribute to Damian, saying the force was keeping his family's prayers in their thoughts.
"We are still conducting detailed enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this death and I would again urge anyone with information that might assist our investigation to please contact us," he added.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who has had contact with Damian at any time on Saturday 17 May 2025 to please get in touch if you have not already spoken to police.
“As previously stated, there will continue to be a policing presence in the Sturminster Newton area as we carry out enquiries and officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.”
Anyone who may have any information that could help in their investigations is being urged to get in touch as soon as possible by calling 101 and quoting incident reference number 55250070085.