A MURDER investigation has been launched after a man’s body was recovered from the sea at a Christchurch beach.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after police were called on Monday at around 9.10pm to Steamer Point in Friars Cliff, Christchurch.

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The body was found floating near groynes at Seaway Avenue in Christchurch and a man was pronounced dead at the scene.

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: “The body is yet to be formally identified.

“The coroner has been notified.

“Two Bournemouth men, aged 49 and 51, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are currently helping police with their enquiries.

“Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward in relation to this incident, in particular anyone who may have been in the area of Friars Cliff between the times of 9pm and 9.30pm on Monday, 27 May, 2013.”

Yesterday, police and forensic officers were seen scouring the beach for evidence, sealing off a blue and white motor cruiser boat for examination.

Uniformed officers were stationed at different points to the beach with the walkway from the car park also sealed off, preventing public access.

Crime tags were placed at different points on the shingle and a blue tarpaulin covered the boat, which was towed from the beach around 1pm yesterday afternoon by a police RIB.

Part of Mayor’s Mead car park at Christchurch Quay was also cordoned off yesterday afternoon.

Two police vans and a police car were stationed at the scene.

The cordon was around three disabled car parking bays next to the pay and display machine.

Police later confirmed the car park scene was linked to the Steamer Point incident.

The coroner has been informed and a postmortem was due to take place yesterday afternoon.

Anyone with information is urged to call the non-emergency number 101 quoting incident number 27:447.

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