A MAN arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of a woman was found in a garden pond this summer has been released without charge.

Police were called to an address in Northey Road, Tuckton on May 26. They discovered the body of a 56-year-old woman in the grounds of the semi-detached property.

The 68-year-old man, who was known to the woman, was arrested and released under investigation.

The preliminary result of a post-mortem examination carried out in the days after the woman's death revealed she had drowned.

Speaking in May, Detective Inspector Richard Dixey of Dorset Police said the death was being treated as suspicious.

However, police have now confirmed that the man will not be charged.

"The 68-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident has been released without charge and a report is being prepared for the coroner," said a spokesperson.