CRIME scene investigators have been seen outside a property at the centre of a murder investigation in Christchurch.

The specialist forensic officers have been photographing and examining the front of the house in Heath Road as well as studying the area around the front garage, which has been seen as partially open since at least 8am this morning.

Dorset Police have been in the residential street in Walkford all day after receiving a report at 7.53pm on Tuesday January 4, raising concern for the welfare of an occupant.

Officers attended the location and found the body of a man in his 30s with serious injuries.

Bournemouth Echo: Forensics at the scene in Heath Road, Christchurch. Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA WireForensics at the scene in Heath Road, Christchurch. Picture: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire

His next of kin has been informed and the coroner notified of the death. A South West Police forensics van was present throughout the next morning.

Many residents awoke to find the road closed by a police cordon this morning, with drivers and people walking through needing to provide their details to officers.

Most residents near the property, however, were alerted at around 8pm on Tuesday evening to a heavy armed police presence as well as the roaring sound of a police helicopter.

The victim’s neighbour, having assisted officers, told the Echo: “I’m shocked. He was a lovely lad. It is deeply saddening and I’m just completely shocked by this. Awful.”