POLICE have launched a murder investigation after the body of a man was discovered in Poole woodland on Wednesday.

Detectives cordoned off a large swathe of land off Leicester Road, Penn Hill after the find at 2.20pm. Ambulances were also called to the scene.

It is the second murder probe to be established by the force in just days after 34-year-old Stela Marisabel Domador-Kuzma was found with stab wounds at an address in Richmond Gardens on Sunday.

The officers have linked the murder investigation to another incident, in which a woman was admitted to hospital on Saturday, July 7.

Doctors reported a concern for the welfare of the woman, who had suffered bruising and collapsed, at 11.15am today. The casualty, who is in her 40s, is in a critical condition in hospital.

A home in Knowlton Road, Canford Heath has been cordoned off as part of that investigation.

One resident told the Daily Echo two men had been living with the woman and her disabled husband.

“They’d been there about two months. No-one knew who they were. They were basically squatters. 

“Around seven police cars turned up this morning to raid the house. 

"Officers have been knocking on all the neighbours' doors.”

A 40-year-old man from Poole has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to the woman, and on suspicion of murder in relation to the man. He continues to help officers with enquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Symms, of Bournemouth CID, said the dead man has yet to be identified as his next of kin have not been notified. His death is being treated as suspicious.

Bournemouth Echo:

“These investigations are in the very early stages and at this time there is little more information we can give," said DCI Symms.

“I would like to reassure the public that our enquiries will be detailed and I would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding while we carry out our investigations.”

Poole Neighbourhood Inspector Ady Thompson encouraged anyone with information about either incident to come forward.

He said: “Residents will see a police presence at both Leicester Road and Knowlton Road.

"They will also 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, or call 101.

"Always call 999 in an emergency.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 11:268.