A 52-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the discovery of a woman’s body in Bournemouth.

At 3.26pm on Wednesday, police found the body of a woman in her 40s in a flat in Avon Close, Bournemouth, after concerns were raised that she hadn’t arrived at work as expected.

Police earlier told the Echo the death was being treated as 'suspicious' and launched a murder investigation.

Their inquiries led to the arrest of a 52-year-old man on suspicion of murder.

Police are now urgently trying to trace a dark grey Peugeot 308 in relation to the investigation

A Dorset Police spokesman said the arrested man has connections to Dorset, Hampshire and London and was known to the victim.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Mark Samuel said: “We are still building a picture of exactly what happened yesterday morning, Wednesday 25 March 2015. If anyone saw or heard anything suspicious in the Avon Close area of Bournemouth or has any other information that could be useful, I would urge them to please get in touch.

“We urgently need to trace a Peugeot 308 dark grey estate hire car with the registration HN14 HWC which we believe travelled in the Dorset and Hampshire areas and may be of significant interest to our investigation.

“This vehicle has damage above the wheel arch on the rear off-side following a previous accident and I am releasing a photo of this damage in the hope that it might jog someone’s memory.

Bournemouth Echo:

“I am keen to hear from anyone who saw this vehicle being driven in Dorset or Hampshire between 4pm on Tuesday 24 March and 10pm on Wednesday 25 March 2015.

A Dorset Police spokesman added: "Detectives will be continuing the investigation overnight and will provide further information to assist an appeal when it is available."

Anyone who has any useful information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 25:160. Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Emergency services rushed to Avon Close, which is located just off Springbourne Roundabout, shortly before 3.30pm where police officers discovered the casualty and called for an ambulance.

Paramedics arrived at the cul-de-sac but nothing could be done to save her. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The road, which backs onto the Wessex Way and comprises just two blocks of flats, was closed by police to allow the probe to commence.

Initially a spokesperson for Dorset Police told the Daily Echo said: "At 3.26pm today, Wednesday, March 25, officers discovered a body at an address in Avon Close in Bournemouth following a concern for welfare.

“A cordon has been put in place. Next of kin have not been informed yet but the coroner has been notified."

Forensics officers wearing protective plastic suits and masks entered the building, which was surrounded by police tape, and liaised with detectives.

A heavy police presence remained into the evening, with officers guarding the entrance to the road and only allowing its residents to pass.

A uniformed officer could be seen standing in the back garden of the property as the investigation continued into dusk.

A South Western Ambulance Service spokesman confirmed two crews attended the scene, but left at 5.20pm and did not take anybody to hospital.