SHOCKED Boscombe residents have spoken out after a murder investigation was launched following a man's death.

The casualty, who was in his 40s, was found with serious head injuries in Churchill Gardens shortly before 4pm.

He was rushed to hospital in a life-threatening condition, but died the following day.

His next of kin have yet to be informed. The coroner has been notified and a post-mortem examination was due to take place yesterday afternoon.

Becky Playfair, manager of the Joy Cafe in the gardens, was one of those who rushed to help after the man collapsed.

“We’re all just so sad and shocked,” she said.

“A couple of kids saw the poor man collapse, and rang on the doorbell of my friend’s house. She came to the cafe for help.”

Helpers called 999 and took instructions from operators.

“It was horrific,” Becky said.

“There were about six people trying to help the man.”

Cllr Chris Wakefield said: “This is rare for Boscombe these days.

“Once upon a time, the area was inundated with issues, and it’s not like that any more.

“This is a very sad incident, and thankfully, it is a rare incident.

“The feelings of us all go out to the family of the person who has passed away, and we’re encourage anyone with information to contact the police.”

Cllr Jane Kelly said residents of Boscombe are “horrified and saddened”, but added: “The community here are absolutely pulling together to support each other.

“It isn’t something we expect in Boscombe now. We have come so far.

“The community spirit here is fabulous.”

Cllr Phil Stanley-Watts, who said: “It’s a real rarity to hear of an incident like this these days.

“It’s very sad to hear about this incident, as well as the stabbing nearby.

“There’s been a great deal more partnership working between the council and police, and I think that’s made a real difference to this area.”

A full investigation led by detectives from Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team is now under way.

Senior Investigating Officer Neil Devoto said: “At this time we are treating the death as suspicious and enquiries are underway to establish how he came to sustain his injuries.

"A post-mortem examination will be held in due course and this should give us more indication of the exact cause of his death."

Children on their way home from school may have seen what happened to the casualty, the officer said.

“From our initial CCTV enquiries we know there were a number of school children in the area and I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who was on their way home from school and may have seen or heard something that could be relevant to my investigation," he said.

A cordon has been put in place in Churchill Road and the road remained closed between Borthwick Road and Walpole Road yesterday while crime scene investigators examine the area.

Officers are also carrying out house-to-house visits and making CCTV enquiries.

Neighbourhood Inspector Cheyne Marley spent yesterday at the scene speaking with residents.

“I appreciate this incident is understandably concerning for residents and I would like to reassure them that a full and thorough investigation is under way," he said.

“Detectives from Bournemouth CID continue to investigate a separate stabbing incident that happened close by. From our initial enquiries, there is nothing to suggest these two incidents are in any way linked.

“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team, supported by Bournemouth Borough Council's Operation Galaxy team, will be carrying out additional patrols in the area over the coming days and can be approached with any community concerns.”