A MAN arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was stabbed to death in Bournemouth has been sectioned under mental health legislation.

Dorset Police was called by the ambulance service at 2.20am on Friday June 19 following reports that a 46-year-old man had suffered stab wounds at an address in Eldon Place in Westbourne. He died at the scene.

A woman aged in her 40s and a teenage boy, both from Bournemouth, were taken to hospital for treatment to injuries that were not life-threatening.

A 31-year-old Bournemouth man was arrested on suspicion of murder, but was also taken to hospital. He was discharged from hospital on the evening of Monday June 22 and taken into police custody.

Following an assessment by mental health professionals, he has now been detained under section two of the Mental Health Act and will remain in the care of the mental health services for an initial 28-day period.

A post-mortem examination carried out on Friday afternoon concluded that the victim died of stab wounds to the head and trunk.

Detective Chief Inspector Jez Noyce, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: "Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family and all of those affected by this terrible incident. We are keeping them fully updated and they are being supported by specially-trained officers.

"Our investigation remains ongoing and I would continue to urge anyone with information who has not already spoken to police to please come forward.

"Local officers continue to offer an increased presence in the area and can be approached by members of the community with any concerns.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55200087790. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.