DETECTIVES have launched a murder investigation after the body of a man was found at a property in Boscombe.

The body of the local man was discovered at a block of flats in Sea Road called Mallard Grange at around 12pm on Tuesday.

The circumstances of his death were deemed suspicious and a murder investigation is under way, led by detectives from Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team.

At 3.50pm on Tuesday, a 25-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman, both from Bournemouth, were arrested in Weymouth on suspicion of murder. They are helping police with their enquiries.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Stewart Balmer, said: "We are still building a picture of exactly what happened earlier today.

"If anyone saw or heard anything suspicious in the Sea Road area of Boscombe or has any other information that could be useful, I would urge them to please get in touch."

The man’s next of kin have been informed and are being kept updated by specially-trained officers. The coroner has been notified.

Emergency services, including five South Western Ambulance Service vehicles and several police cars, were initially called to reports that a man had been injured in an assault.

Paramedics left the scene at 1.30pm and did not take anybody to hospital.

Police cordoned off the property and crime scene investigators were called in. At one point in the afternoon there were four forensics vans parked outside. The cordon is expected to be in place for some time.

Many passers-by saw the commotion.

Percy Road resident Sue Bell said: "I only live round the corner and I saw the police cars and ambulances outside when I was coming back from the shops.

"I have lived here for 15 years and this is quite a quiet block, I saw an agent showing someone around the other day.

"Boscombe has had some bad reports but this is the first time I have seen anything like this down here."

Santa Pillai, who lives in Mallard Grange, said she had not heard or seen anything out of the ordinary in the hours leading up to the incident.

"I was just coming back from the shops when I saw the police outside," the 73-year-old said.

"It was a real shock. I don't see my neighbours that often, I tend to stay in my room."

Neighbours were also shocked by the incident.

Pat and Bob Thornton, of Sea Road, said they had not suspected anything might be amiss until the emergency services arrived.

"This is a nice peaceful area beside the sea, that is why we moved here," said Mrs Thornton.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 26:152 or Operation Fraction.

Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.