DETECTIVES have charged two men over the murder of a man who was found dead at Friars Cliff.

Rico Dardis, 30, was found dead near groynes at Seaway Avenue at around 9.10pm on Monday, May 27.

His cause of death was later given as drowning by the Coroner’s Court in Bournemouth.

This afternoon, police said they had charged a 50-year-old Bournemouth man and a 51-year-old man of no fixed abode with his murder.

Paul Mark Gerlach, 51, of no fixed abode and 50-year-old Louis Borzoni are due to appear at Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

Police were first alerted to the death by two members of the public, who raised the alarm after they saw two men acting suspiciously on board a boat.

They were stopped in a vehicle shortly afterwards and detained.

Detective Inspector Marcus Hester, of The Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Following an extensive and thorough investigation by the Major Crime Investigation Team we have now charged two men.”

He added: “It is important to stress – as is typical in such circumstances – that it would be entirely inappropriate for Dorset Police to comment further ahead of the trial. It is vital that the justice system is allowed to follow its course.”

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses and information over the death.

Call in confidence on 101, quoting incident number 27:447. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111, where mobile phone tariffs may apply.