A PROBE has been launched after a man was discovered dead in a Poole underpass.

Dorset Police, who were contacted by a concerned member of the public just after 6.15am on Thursday, say the death is not being treated as suspicious, and the investigation has been passed to the coroner’s office.

The man, believed to be in his thirties, was found on the pathway linking the Nuffield Industrial Estate to houses at Canford Heath. His next of kin have been informed.

A post-mortem examination, to establish the caused of death, will now take place.

Borough of Poole councillor Sandra Moore, representing Canford Heath East, said: “Your heart goes out to the person’s family. I don’t know why he was there, but there must be fairly tragic circumstances involved. It is heartbreaking.”

Canford Heath resident Mark Stevenson said: “I heard there was somewhat of a commotion down there earlier this morning.

“A lot of people use that pathway as a cut through to the industrial estate behind.

“I didn’t hear of anything happening there last night, I hope the guy didn’t suffer in any way.

“Obviously, your thoughts go out to his family.”

Meanwhile, another resident - who asked not to be named - told the Echo: “All of these alleyways are regularly used and you rarely get any problems with people hanging around here.

“This is a well kept, clean underpass - the only issue we have is that it is liable to flood when we have heavy rain.

“It is sad to hear someone has been found dead here.”

Police officers and South Western Ambulance Service paramedics attended the scene.

The underpass, under Canford Heath Road, is part of a network of pathways popular with residents - many locals regularly walk their dogs there.

A Dorset Police spokesman confirmed: “Officers attended and located the body of a man, believed to be aged in his thirties. There are no suspicious circumstances. Next of kin have been informed and the coroner has been notified.”