A TRAVELODGE at the centre of a murder inquiry remains cordoned off four days after the discovery of a hotel receptionist's body.

The woman, in her 20s, died of multiple blunt force injury before a man handed himself in to Bournemouth police station.

A 32-year-old Bournemouth man, arrested on suspicion of murder, has since been detained under the Mental Health Act.

The hotel, in Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, is still taped off and police officers can be seen in the reception area.

The entrance to the hotel's underground car park, in Derby Road, is blocked by a car.

Around 10 police cars and two ambulances were called just after 8am on Wednesday December 9 to a report that a receptionist had been found dead at the hotel.

The scene was immediately cordoned off and guests were asked to remain in their rooms.

Crime scene investigation has been under way at the Travelodge ever since.

The man has initially been detained under section two of the Mental Health Act for a period of 28 days.

A post-mortem examination carried out on Thursday December 10 revealed the cause of death was multiple blunt force injury.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses or anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area on Wednesday morning tocome forward.

Patrols in the area have also been increased and members of the public urged to approach officers with any concerns.

Anyone with information is asked to call Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55200184895 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.