THE grieving family of a young man found dead in a Boscombe flat have described him as a "kind and caring son who thought the best of everyone."

A murder investigation was launched after the body of 22-year-old Phillip Nicholson was found in a flat in Mallard Grange, Sea Road on Tuesday. 

A statement from Phillip's family said: "Phillip was our kind and caring son who thought the best of everyone.

"His wicked sense of humour brought a smile to many faces and his caring for other people showed no boundaries. Phillip will be dearly missed by family and friends.

"We respectfully request at this time that we are left alone to grieve.

Detectives from Dorset Police's Major crime Investigation Team are investigating the circumstances of Phillip's death. On Thursday, detectives were granted more time to question a 20-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man, both from Bournemouth, who were arrested on suspicion of murder.

Due to Dorset Police having had prior contact with people involved, the force has referred the circumstances leading to the murder to the IPCC for review.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Stewart Balmer said: “We are still building a picture of exactly what happened on Tuesday and continue to appeal for anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the Sea Road area of Boscombe that morning to contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting Op Fraction.

“We’d also like to speak to anyone who had recent contact with Phillip Nicholson or who may have any information that may support the inquiry.

“We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who saw Phillip leaving his home in the Parkstone area of Poole at around 9am on Tuesday morning to just after midday when his body was discovered in the flat in Sea Road.

“At this time Phillip was wearing a grey Family Guy T-shirt, a faded red jumper with a zip from the chest upwards, charcoal grey trousers and Crocs. He also wore a black bum bag around his waist.

“I would urge anyone with information to please come forward in confidence.”