Murder mystery as human remains found off cliff path are identified by police

01 September 2023 , 21:33

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Police have identified human remains found in Boscombe (Image: BournemouthEcho/BNPS)

Police investigating a murder following the discovery of human remains have identified the victim and arrested two people.

Dorset Police received a report at 1.10pm last Saturday (August 26) following the discovery by a member of the public in the area off a cliff path in Boscombe. Detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) have now been able to identify the victim – a 49-year-old man from Bournemouth. His family has been informed. Extensive enquiries have been ongoing and, as a result, a 38-year-old woman and a 48-year-old man – both also from Bournemouth – have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Two people have been arrested (CorinMesser/BNPS)

Detective Inspector Neil Third, of MCIT, said: “This remains a very complex investigation and we have worked tirelessly since the initial discovery and report to progress our enquiries. Foremost, our thoughts are with the victim’s family. We will continue to do all we can to establish the circumstances of the death.

“Now that we have been able to identify the victim following scientific analysis, I am in a position to be more specific about my appeal. I would like to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around the area of the Manor Steps Zig Zag in Boscombe between Monday 31 July 2023 and Saturday 26 August 2023. I would ask anyone with information, images or other material to please upload it to the Major Incident Public Portal that has been set up.“

The victim's next of kin have been informed (CorinMesser/BNPS)

"A number of cordons have been put in place across the Boscombe area and I would like to thank the public for their assistance while officers conduct their detailed enquiries. Officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.” The wider cordon that has been in place in the area of the Manor Steps Zig Zag since last Saturday has now been removed.

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Anyone with information is asked to submit it to the investigation team via the Major Incident Public Portal page here. If you are unable to submit information online, please call 101 quoting occurrence number 55230135228. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.

Ryan Merrifield