AN investigation is under way following the discovery of a man's body in the doorway of a Bournemouth church.

Emergency services were called to St Andrew's church in Florence Road, Boscombe at around 11.30am on Tuesday. 

A passer-by had alerted an ambulance crew, who were initially told someone was in cardiac arrest.

It is now believed that the man had been dead for some time before his body was seen by the member of the public.

The man, thought to be in his 30s, was slumped in a side doorway at the church, which is at the junction of Watkin Road. He was surrounded by bags and blankets.

Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious and said inquiries will be carried out by the coroner.

The man's body was covered and a small area closed to members of the public to preserve the dignity of the deceased.