A THIRD child has been arrested by detectives carrying out a murder investigation in Christchurch.
Police officers have widened their appeal for information back further in time as enquiries continue into the death of 35-year-old Edward Reeve.
Detectives have secured permission from the courts to extend the detention of two boys arrested on suspicion of murder earlier this week.
As reported, Dorset Police received a report at 7.53pm on Tuesday, January 4, raising concern for the welfare of the occupant of 6 Heath Road, Walkford.
Officers attended the address and found the body of Mr Reeve.
Providing an update on the evening of Sunday, January 9, a Dorset Police spokeswoman said detectives have now made a third arrest.
A 15-year-old girl from the Christchurch area has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Two 16-year-old boys, one from Christchurch and one from Bournemouth, previously arrested on suspicion of murder, remain in custody after detectives obtained warrants of further detention from the court.
Police forensics teams and uniformed officers were still at Heath Road throughout Sunday, January 9.
Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, of the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), said: “We have continued with our investigation and have been able to find out further details.
“I am grateful for all the information we have received from the public so far, but I am now appealing with regards to a wider time frame as previously given.
“Therefore, I urge residents and motorists in the area of Heath Road to please check any CCTV systems or dashcam footage from Wednesday, December 29, 2021, to Tuesday, January 4, 2022, and to report any suspicious activity they may have witnessed during this time period.
“As highlighted before, officers remain in the area carrying out enquiries and can be approached by members of the community with any information or concerns.”
Anyone with information, images or footage relevant to the investigation to submit it via the UK Police Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/55HQ21M75-PO1
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.
Alternatively, to stay anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.
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