DETECTIVES have launched a murder investigation after the death of a man in north Dorset, following reports of a serious assault.

At 5.11pm on Tuesday, Dorset Police received a report of a serious assault at an address in Ridgeway, Sherborne.

Officers attended together with the ambulance service and discovered a local man in his 70s, who was taken to hospital by air ambulance, where he later died.

His next of kin has been informed and is being supported by specially trained officers.

A 36-year-old man from Sherborne has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is helping officers with their enquiries and police have confirmed the victim and alleged offender were known to each other.

Detective Superintendent Gavin Dudfield, of Dorset Police Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Dorset Police has launched a murder investigation and will be conducting enquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

“A cordon has been put in place around an address in Ridgeway, Sherborne while crime scene investigators examine the scene.

“Residents will see officers conducting house-to-house enquiries. However if anyone has any information relating to the incident, I would ask that they contact Dorset Police quoting incident number 21:349.

“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team will be carrying out high visibility patrols in the area over the coming days to offer reassurance to the community and can be contacted with any concerns.”

  • Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at https://crowd.in/MmyUEd, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 21:349. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via https://crowd.in/OjYIYz.