Murder probe launched after woman found dead at Bournemouth flat

A murder investigation has been launched after the suspicious death of a woman at a block of flats on the South Coast.

The victim, aged in her 30s, was found dead having suffered a serious head injury, after police were called to the property in Bournemouth on Friday evening.

A 50-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of murder and was assisting detectives with their enquiries, Dorset Police said.

Officers were first alerted to reports a woman had died at the flat in Gainslea Court on Derby Road at around 6.23pm on Friday.

Detective Inspector Neil Phillips, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: "Following the discovery of a woman's body, Dorset Police has launched a murder investigation.

"Enquiries are now under way to establish exactly what happened at this address in Gainslea Court.

"A cordon has been put in place at the flat while crime scene investigators examine the scene. Officers are also carrying out house-to-house enquiries.

"I am appealing for anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the Derby Road area during Thursday evening or today to contact Dorset Police as soon as possible.

"Officers from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team will be carrying out high visibility patrols in the area over the coming days to officer reassurance to the community and can be contacted with any concerns."

Officers are understood to be attempting to contact the woman's next-of-kin.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 16:456. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.