Detectives investigating the discovery of a body in a Bournemouth pond have arrested a man on suspicion of murder.
While the body has not yet been formally identified, it’s believed to be 55-year-old Richard Bentley, who was reported missing on the 16th of November.
It was found in a pond off Chaseside in the Littledown area on Monday afternoon.
A cordon remains in place at the pond while detailed enquiries are carried out.
The man arrested is a 24-year-old man from Bournemouth who is believed to be known to Mr Bentley whose death is being treated as unexplained.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Richard Bentley at this difficult time.
“To enable us to gather as much information as possible about Richard Bentley’s disappearance, and in order to provide legal protection for the individual, we have made an arrest.
“Our enquiries are continuing in the area the body was found and we want to hear from anyone who has seen suspicious activity in that area.
“We are still seeking anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Richard Bentley since November 2024 to please come forward – you may have vital details to help us establish what has happened.
“Visible policing activity in the area will continue over the coming days to enable us to work out the full circumstances of the death.
“We would like to thank the public for their patience while the cordon is in place and would encourage anyone with information or concerns to please speak with an officer.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240176625.
Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.