POLICE who launched a murder inquiry following the death of a 34-year-old man have now said his death was not suspicious.

Inquiries were launched when the body of the man was found in woodland off Leicester Road in Poole at 2.20pm on Wednesday.

His death was said to be linked to a woman who had collapsed in Poole Hospital.

A 40-year-old man from Poole was arrested on suspicion of murdering the man and on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm to the woman.

But police have since released him from custody under investigation pending further inquiries in relation to the woman.

A 28-year-old Poole man has since been arrested, also on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm to the woman, and is helping police with their inquiries.

Scenes of crime officers have been examining a property in Knowlton Road, Canford Heath, in connection with their inquiries.

Neighbours said they believe a couple have lived at the address, a ground floor flat, for around a year, A police cordon placed in the woodland area near Leicester Road has since been lifted.

Police said the woman was admitted to Poole Hospital on Saturday July 7 and had suffered bruising. She collapsed at the hospital on Wednesday morning and is now in a critical condition.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Symms, of Bournemouth CID, said: “Our investigation into how the woman fell critically ill remains ongoing.

“I would like to thank residents in Penn Hill for their patience and understanding while we carried out our investigations into the man’s death.

“These have revealed that his death is not suspicious and there was no third party involvement.”

Poole Neighbourhood Inspector Ady Thompson said: “Residents can expect to see some extra neighbourhood patrols on the streets over the next few days.

“Anybody who has any concerns is encouraged to approach these officers and speak to them.”

Officers have continued to appeal for information from members of the public. Contact Dorset Police on 101 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.