The cause of death of a man whose body was discovered at Hengistbury Head at the weekend is still unknown, a coroner said today.

The man, who has not been identified, was discovered in a wooded area at the Bournemouth beauty spot after a member of the public alerted the emergency services.

He is believed to have been discovered wearing several layers of clothing and in a sleeping bag. His death was certified at the scene.

A Bournemouth Coroner's officer today confirmed that the cause of the man's death was unascertainable, pending test results.

The man, who has not been identified, is the third to be found in tragic circumstances in a fortnight.

On January 20 a man died after seeking shelter from freezing temperatures in a Bournemouth church doorway.

Karl Lambe, 42, was discovered by shocked church keeper Bob Bembridge when he arrived at to open up Richmond Hill St Andrew’s Church.

On January 24 the body of former soldier Stephen Russell, 50, from Holbury Close, Bournemouth, was found in the car park at Castlepoint shopping centre. An inquest has been opened and adjourned into Mr Russell’s death.

Commenting on the latest sudden death, the Mayor of Bournemouth Cllr Phil Stanley-Watts said: “This is tragic and very, very sad. My thoughts are with this man’s family and the other families who are also grieving.”