POLICE continue their murder investigation in Bournemouth town centre this afternoon following the death of an 18-year-old man from Bournemouth.
A large police cordon remains in much of the town centre covering the Square, Gervis Place and the Lower Gardens.
Who has been arrested and what for?
Four 18-year-old men – two from the Portsmouth area, one from Bournemouth and one from Poole – have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
They remain in police custody where they are currently being questioned.
What happened during the incident?
Police were alerted to a fight involving a group of people in the Lower Gardens shortly before 1.30am on Saturday.
It is alleged the victim was stabbed before he died at the scene in the Square just outside Clarks, injuries which the police describe as being "significant".
His next of kin have been informed and the coroner notified.
Police say it was reported a number of individuals left the scene and discarded of various items, including clothing, in the Lower Gardens after the incident.
What have the police said?
A large police presence has been in the town since around 1.30am today when the police were first called.
A police cordon, which one officer said was the biggest they had been to in decades of experience, is stretching entirely in the Lower Gardens as well as Gervis Place and the Square.
Superintendent Gavin House, of Dorset Police, said: “Very sadly a young man has lost his life and our thoughts are with his family and friends.
“A full and detailed investigation is underway into this incident and I would urge anyone who saw what happened and has not yet spoken to officers to please contact us.”
Detective Inspector Neil Third, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, added: “A number of cordons remain in place around Bournemouth Square and the Lower Gardens and I would like to again thank members of the public, and particularly businesses impacted, for their patience and understanding.
"It is vital that we make every possible effort to ensure any available evidence is captured, so these cordons are absolutely vital to our investigation.
“This is a dynamic and fast flowing investigation that has seen a number of detectives called to duty and they are being assisted by colleagues from across the Force as we conduct a range of detailed enquiries.
“There will continue to be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days and I would encourage members of the public to speak to officers from the local neighbourhood policing team if they have any information or concerns.”
A special portal page has been set up by the force for people to submit any information relating to the incident. This can be found here https://mipp.police.uk/operation/55HQ23M98-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 incident number 5:58.
Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
What has Bournemouth town centre been like today?
As essentially half of the town centre has been shut down by the police, shoppers and visitors are having to find alternative routes around to their destination.
The atmosphere is one of shock today, with everybody talking about what has happened given the large police presence.
Buses are being diverted through different roads as Gervis Place isn’t accessible – with Morebus using Westover Road to serve the start and end of routes.
Businesses within the cordon, including Bobby’s, Moon in the Square and Picnic Park Deli are closed today.
What are our leaders saying?
Bournemouth West MP Sir Conor Burns said we are now at a “critical point” in terms of safety in the town centre and warned: “If our town centre is allowed to slide even further down than it already is, then then all the efforts of me and the consultation that I'm doing and Vikki Slade and the consultation that the council are doing will count for nothing.”
Read more: Bournemouth murder probe: MP hits out at lack of police
He added: “We heard from the police today that the public can be reassured that they're going to see a visible police presence in the town centre for the next few days following this incident.
Some footage from the crime scene and cordon @Bournemouthecho pic.twitter.com/ROBiGAH385
— Matt Simpson (@MattSimpsonEcho) August 5, 2023
“Well, that's not what the public want to hear. The public want to hear that the police are going into the town centre again in a visible way that tackles crime.”
BCP Council leader Vikki Slade added: “I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of this young man and our thoughts are with his family and friends at what must be an unimaginably difficult time.”
When will the town centre be back open fully?
It is difficult to say when the cordon will be brought down, but it is highly likely it will stay for a while longer and into Sunday.
Crime scene investigators from South West Forensics need time to conduct thorough and detailed investigations and gather as much evidence as possible – this could take a while.
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