A POLICE probe has been launched after a man was found dead with “serious head injuries” in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Police were called to a house on Cavendish Road at 1.19am where officers discovered the man, who was in his 40s, in a porch between two doors.

A spokesman for South Western Ambulance Service confirmed police called for assistance but there was nothing that could be done to save him.

Officers cordoned off the property and forensics could be seen scouring for clues before a section of the road was closed at 10am so investigators could examine the pavement and surrounding area.

At around 11am police were alerted to a t-shirt in a nearby wooded pathway off Dean Park Road which appeared to be stained with blood.

An officer speaking at the scene said the clothing was being seized by forensics for further investigation.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “At 1.19am today Dorset Police was informed that a man, believed to be local and in his 40s, had been found with serious head injuries at an address in Cavendish Road.

“Police officers and ambulance attended but sadly the man died at the scene. Forensic teams are at the scene to investigate the circumstances of his death as it is unclear at this time how he came to sustain his injuries.”

Residents in neighbouring properties described being woken in the early hours by a frenzy of blue lights.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said: “They have been here all night and we were all wondering what it was about.

“On the most part it is nice sort of area, but things have been getting worse crime-wise recently. It's still a shock to see so many police here though in all their forensic gear.”

This morning, police were no longer at the scene, and the section of road which had remained closed to traffic until late last night was reopen.


Neighbours have declined to speak, with one telling the Daily Echo: "It's too raw".


It is believed the man was married and a father.


A woman living in a nearby property, who asked not to be named, said: "It's a terrible shock to hear that a young man has died.


"This has always been a nice road to live in, and it's very frightening."

Police said next of kin have been informed and urged witnesses or anyone with information to contact Dorset Police on 101 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.