POLICE have launched an investigation following the unexplained death of a 94-year-old woman in Poole.

Officers were called to Turbary Court, a sheltered housing block in Douglas Close, Upton, at around 11am on Friday, where the body of the pensioner was found.

On Saturday, two police cars were pulled up outside with officers making enquiries door-to-door. One resident reported that a flat within was cordoned off, with security personnel at the door.

It is not known whether crime scene investigators were called to the property over the weekend.

Detective Inspector Joe Williams, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: "At this current time the cause of death is unknown and we are looking at all lines of enquiry as part of the investigation.

"I am appealing to anyone who may have heard or seen something within the area of Douglas Close on Saturday, June 20, and at around midnight on Wednesday, June 24.

"In particular I would like to speak to a man and a woman who were seen in the Douglas Close area at these times. I believe they may be able to assist me with the investigation."

The coroner and the woman's next of kin have been informed.

Neighbour Peter Avison said: "I don't think I know the lady although we have probably said hello in passing. It is very sad news.

"It is normally very quiet and peaceful around here, and people tend to keep themselves to themselves.

"I have lived here for a year and I can't remember anything suspicious happening before."

Mayor of Upton June Richards, of Lytchett Minster and Upton Town Council, said: "It was a terrible shock to hear this news.

"I thought it might be Turbary Court when I heard it was in Douglas Close. I don't understand how something like this could happen there, it is a controlled home.

"People say it doesn't happen in Upton, but apparently it does.

"I hope it turns out to be not suspicious, to live into your 90s and have this sort of thing happen is not fair."

Turbary Court is managed by Aster Living.

Anybody with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 25:164, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.