POLICE have launched an appeal following the death of two teens whose bodies were found in Bridport earlier this week.

Officers conducting enquiries on behalf of HM Coroner of Dorset into two non-suspicious deaths in the Bridport area are appealing for information from the public.

At 10.11am on Tuesday, January 25, Dorset Police received a report of two people, a 17-year-old girl and an 18-year-old man, having been found dead at Bothenhampton Reservoir, Wych Hill.

Officers attended and it was established that there were no suspicious circumstances. Their next of kin were informed and the coroner notified.

Detective Sergeant Simon Lee, of Dorset Police, said: “Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the two young people who tragically died.

“As is normal in these cases, we are now making enquiries on behalf of the coroner’s office to establish the circumstances of the deaths. Therefore, we are appealing for information from the public to help us piece together the two young people’s movements prior to their tragic deaths.

“We are particularly interested to find out whether anyone has seen them in the Bridport and West Bay area between Saturday 22 January 2022 and Tuesday 25 January 2022.

“The man is described as white, approximately five feet seven inches tall and of slim build with short dark hair, a short beard and brown eyes. He was wearing brown lace-up boots, light grey tracksuit bottoms, a dark coloured T-shirt and a dark navy hooded parka coat that had a brown patch on the left arm.

“The girl is described as white, approximately five feet five inches tall and of slim build with dark brown shoulder-length straight hair and brown eyes. She was wearing black and white trainers, light grey tracksuit bottoms, a dark navy Puffa-style jacket and a pink scarf.

“They may have been carrying a pale green Nike bag.

“Anyone who thinks they might be able to assist with our enquiries is asked to contact Dorset Police.”

On request of the families, who are supported by specially trained officers, the identity of both teenagers is not being released at this time prior to the formal opening of an inquest by HM Coroner.

Dorset Police has made a mandatory referral to the IOPC in line with procedures related to the death or serious injury of an individual following prior police contact and awaits further guidance from the IOPC on the matter.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220014243.