A MAN has been charged with murdering his father following the discovery of a dismembered body at a flat in Soutbourne.

The body was found at an address at Lacey Court on Stedman Road at around 1.30pm on Monday.

The victim, a Bournemouth man in his 40s who is yet to be formally identified, had lain undiscovered for some weeks in a first floor flat.

Next of kin are aware.

Twenty-six year-old man Nathan Robinson was arrested on Tuesday in the West Midlands and has now been charged with murder.

Detective Chief Inspector John Gately, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “This is a shocking – and unusual – incident and I want to reassure the local community that a thorough investigation is ongoing.

“I can now confirm that the arrested man has been charged with murder. He will appear before Bournemouth Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Friday 21 June.

“I can also confirm that this man is the victim’s son and that the death appears to be a domestic incident.”

The Lacey Court address was cordoned off while specialist investigators examined the scene. Safer Neighbourhood Team officers have been providing reassurance to local residents under the supervision of local inspector Chris Weeks.

DCI Gately continued: “The exact circumstances of the man’s death are being investigated by Dorset Police and Her Majesty’s Coroner, although I believe the victim may have died several weeks before he was discovered.

“Anyone with any information about the man’s death or anyone who has witnessed anything unusual at or around the Lacey Court address over the past few weeks – who is yet to speak with the police – should call urgently.”