THE sudden death of a man in Blandford is not being treated as suspicious, Dorset Police have confirmed.

Initially, detectives had asked for the public’s help in a bid to piece together the last movements of the man, Anthony Taylor, who was found dead in his flat.

Mr Taylor was well known locally and often seen walking his dog - a brown Cocker Spaniel - around the north Dorset market town.

Emergency services attended The Plocks, Blandford, just before 2pm on Thursday, where they discovered the 43-year-old’s body.

This prompted local neighbourhood Inspector Rob Chalkley, of North Dorset Police, to issue an appeal for information.

He said: “It is important we understand the full circumstances surrounding Anthony’s death and his movements in recent days which is why this appeal has gone out.

“I know Anthony was well-known in the community and would urge anyone who saw him since Monday to call us.”

A cordon was put in place at Anthony’s flat and a police presence remained there throughout Friday morning.

One neighbour told the Echo: “It is sad what has happened, he was a relatively young man. We’d often see the fellow walking around with his little dog.

“The first we knew anything was wrong was when all the police activity took place on Thursday.

“I haven’t actually seen him for some time though.”

Officers from the neighbourhood policing team also carried out extra patrols on Friday, to reassure the community.

However, a Dorset Police statement released on Friday afternoon confirmed: “At around 1.53pm , Thursday, May 12, police were called to an address in The Plocks in the town.

“A post mortem examination was held this morning, and it established that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

“The matter has been referred to HM Coroner.

“Mr Taylor’s next of kin have been updated and our thoughts are with them at this time.”