THE man found dead in his Southbourne flat was dismembered, the Daily Echo understands.

Police made the grim discovery on Monday morning at Lacey Court, Stedman Road, after neighbours raised the alarm about a bad smell in the block.

It is thought the body, believed to be that of a Bournemouth man in his 40s, had lain undiscovered for some weeks in a first floor flat.

Detectives said a 26-year-old man detained in the West Midlands on suspicion of murder continues to be questioned at a police station in Dorset.

The murder investigation is being led by Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team.

A spokesman said that formal identification has yet to take place and officers are trying to trace the man’s next of kin.

Crimes scene examiners remained at the scene today to continue their investigations and are expected to be there for some days.

Residents in the small road have spoken of their shock and two bouquets of flowers had been placed on the railings outside.

Hilary Bailey said: “I saw two girls come up and place the flowers. They were quite upset so I assume they must have known him.

“He was a big bloke and used to go to work early in the morning and come back late at night. He worked as a taxi driver and would park his taxi in the road or one of the roads nearby.

“I am really shocked this has happened here.”

Charles Mills has lived in the block since March and said he would occasionally chat with the man, who lived in the flat with his son.

“He was a big chap but was very good natured. He said to me that if there was ever any trouble to go to him and he would sort it.

“It is just bizarre that this has happened. I am shocked to be honest. You’d never expect this to happen.

“We were only saying the other day we hadn’t seen him for a few weeks. I should have rung his bell.”

Witnesses and anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident number 17:147, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.