DETECTIVES have launched a murder investigation after a man was found stabbed in a Bournemouth street.

Police called to Parkwood Road in Southbourne at around 12.45am yesterday found a 42-year-old Poole man with serious injuries.

He was taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital but later died.

A manhunt is now underway to find his killer.

Formal identification is yet to take place but police say the man’s next of kin have been informed.

A post mortem examination took place yesterday afternoon and an inquest is expected to be opened today.

A section of Parkwood Road was cordoned off between the Seabourne Road and Woodside Road junctions.

A white tent was placed in the road in front of one of the houses.

Yesterday scenes of crime officers carried out a thorough search of the road, checking in bins, sheds, and nearby gardens.

They also carried out checks in and around vehicles parked in Parkwood Road.

Two cars – a Mitsubishi Shogun and a Renault Clio – were taken away from the scene by a recovery truck for further testing.

The police helicopter flew overhead between 11am and midday.

Police officers were stationed at either end of the cordon to speak to any residents leaving or returning to their homes.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said police woke him early in the morning.

“The police woke us up at 4am doing door-to-door enquiries.

They said someone was seriously assaulted,” he said.

“I am very surprised this has happened here. I would like to know if it happened to someone who lives here or someone walking past.”

Meg Dunn, 69, who has lived in the adjoining section of Parkwood Road for 13 years, said: “I am very shocked. The difference we have seen in this street in this time has been fantastic.

“It is very sad. Hopefully they will find out who did it and they are very good at that now.

“I went to bed quite late but I didn’t hear anything.”

No-one has been arrested in connection with the murder and detectives have appealed for anyone with information to step forward.

DCI Kevin Connolly said: “I am appealing for witnesses and anyone who noticed anything suspicious in the Parkwood Road area to contact us urgently.

“It may be that someone or several people would have heard a commotion or some sort of disturbance during the early hours of the morning. Any information may help with the investigation.”

Witnesses should call Dorset Police on 01202 222222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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