Walkford murder investigation victim was a “lovely lad”

Detectives launched the investigation on Tuesday night after a man’s body was found with serious injuries at a house in Heath Road, Walkford.

Shocked residents described how armed officers and a police helicopter deployed to the street, and the road was cordoned off the next day.

Forensic officers remained at the scene yesterday, and police have been conducting high visibility patrols since the incident, with neighbourhood officers offering reassurance to people living nearby.

Last night, police arrested a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of murder. 

Around 7 hours since leaving the scene, we have returned to see a heavy police presence still on the scene here in Heath Road. A police dog is also present. @Bournemouthecho pic.twitter.com/fEjsBUi5JB

— Andrew Goldman (@AndrewDailyEcho) January 5, 2022

Residents have described the victim as a “lovely lad” and “quiet” who “kept himself to himself”.

Various neighbours said he was a “very private” person who moved to Heath Road around two years ago.

One told the Echo: “I’m shocked. He was a lovely lad. It is deeply saddening and I’m just completely shocked by this. Awful.”

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Another who has lived near the property for six years said he had only seen the victim a “couple of times” and that he had never spoken to him.

However, a couple who lived close to the house remembered him as a “talkative and friendly” individual who they had over for coffee “once or twice” soon after he moved onto the road.

The couple, who wished to remain anonymous, said they had exchanged Christmas cards with him when he first moved in.

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

“He didn’t go out of his way to make friends with people but he was talkative and friendly for a little while”, they said.

“It’s very sad. I can’t imagine what must have happened and it was pretty terrifying when police kept arriving as we didn’t know what was going on.

“It’s so sad.”

Resident Andrew Stacey, who lives in Heather Close said: “I didn’t know the man but this sort of thing isn’t expected round here. I’m very sorry for him.”

Anyone with information can also contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220001688.