THE victim in the ongoing Boscombe murder investigation has been named by detectives.

Poole man Phillip Nicholson, aged 22, was found dead at a flat at Mallard Grange, Sea Road, on Tuesday lunchtime.

Two people - arrested on suspicion of murder by armed officers in Weymouth - continue to help police with their enquiries. Police have been given until 9pm on Friday to question them. 

A 25-year-old man and 20-year-old woman, both from Bournemouth, were taken into custody around four hours after Mr Nicholson’s body was discovered.

A post-mortem is due to be carried out today. 

It is believed that Mr Nicholson lived in supported accommodation and David Vitty, Head of Adult Social Care, Borough of Poole, said: “Our thoughts and sympathy are with Phillip’s family and friends at this time, and we are supporting the police with their inquiries. 

Detective Chief Inspector Stewart Balmer, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “We are still building a picture of exactly what happened and continue to appeal for anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the Sea Road area of Boscombe on Tuesday morning to contact Dorset Police.”

A cordon remained at the Sea Road property, and specially-trained forensics teams continued examining the scene.

Detectives insist that at the moment they’re not in a position to release any further details about the case. This includes details about how Mr Nicholson died.

Mr Nicholson’s next of kin have been informed and the coroner has been notified. Significant door-to-door enquiries have also taken place in the area close to the crime scene in Boscombe.

Dorset Police Detective Chief Inspector Gemma Morris told the Daily Echo that officers discovered Mr Nicholson’s body after being called to the Boscombe flat.

She added: “What we are looking for now is for anyone to come forward with information about anything suspicious they saw or heard in Sea Road on Tuesday morning, anybody who may have had recent contact with Phillip, or anyone who may have any information that may support the enquiry.

“All calls will be treated in the strictest of confidence.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting Operation Fraction.
Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.