Murder investigation launched after man's Bournemouth death deemed suspicious

Four people have been arrested

Author: Ryan BurrowsPublished 27th Jan 2022
Last updated 27th Jan 2022

Police have arrested four men as part of a murder investigation in Bournemouth, after a man's death in an alleyway in the town was deemed as suspicious.

The victim, in his 50s, was found unresponsive by emergency teams in an alley at the end of Shelbourne Road on January 14th and died at the scene.

His death was not initially deemed as suspicious, but detectives found reported suspicious circumstances, including the use of his bank cards following his death.

A post-mortem examination carried out on Wednesday (January 26th) concluded that the man had reportedly come to harm and died as a result of injuries sustained.

Dorset Police has said his cause of death will be issued by HM Coroner in due course.

Officers made the arrests on Wednesday night and in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Three Bournemouth men – one aged 28 and two aged 30 – have been arrested on suspicion of murder and robbery and a 27-year-old local woman has been arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation.

All four remained in police custody as of Thursday afternoon.

Detective Superintendent Gavin Dudfield, of Dorset Police, said:

“Our thoughts remain with the man’s family at this very difficult time, and they have been updated with this latest development.

“As part of our early investigations we have identified a specific window of time when we believe this incident is reported to have taken place. I am therefore appealing to anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area of the alleyway, which runs alongside the A338 Wessex Way between Shelbourne Road and Malmesbury Park Road, between 2.50pm and 3.05pm on Friday 14th January 2022.

“I am also keen to hear from anyone who may have captured people walking toward the alleyway or running away from the scene during this time on home CCTV systems or dashcam.

“I understand this incident will be of concern to residents and officers from the local neighbourhood policing team will be carrying out patrols in the area over the coming days and can be approached by anyone with concerns.”

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