A MURDER investigation has been launched after the body of a man was found in a Bournemouth alleyway.
Four people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The investigation was launched following the death of a man earlier this month.
Police were called after a man was found unresponsive in Shelbourne Road in Charminster on January 14.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Initially police said the incident was not suspicious but after further investigation found his bank cards had been used after his death.
A post-mortem investigation was carried out earlier this week and found that the man in his 50s had reportedly come to harm and died as a result of injuries sustained.
His cause of death will be issued by HM Coroner in due course.
READ MORE: Body of man found in Charminster alleyway
READ MORE: Bank cards of man found dead in Bournemouth are used
South West Forensics are currently at the scene and have laid markers in the alleyway.
Detective Superintendent Gavin Dudfield, of Dorset Police, said: “Our thoughts remain with the man’s family at this very difficult time, and they have been updated with this latest development.
“Following the conclusion of the post-mortem examination, detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team have launched a murder investigation.
“On the night of Wednesday 26 January and early hours of Thursday, January 27, detectives have made a number of arrests. Three Bournemouth men – one aged 28 and two aged 30 – have been arrested on suspicion of murder and robbery and a 27-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation.
"All four remain in police custody.
“As part of our early investigations we have identified a specific window of time when we believe this incident is reported to have taken place.
"I am therefore appealing to anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area of the alleyway, which runs alongside the A338 Wessex Way between Shelbourne Road and Malmesbury Park Road, between 2.50pm and 3.05pm on Friday, January 14.
“I am also keen to hear from anyone who may have captured people walking toward the alleyway or running away from the scene during this time on home CCTV systems or dashcam.
“I understand this incident will be of concern to residents and officers from the local neighbourhood policing team will be carrying out patrols in the area over the coming days and can be approached by anyone with 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/55HQ21M76-PO1.
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 55220007070.
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