Murder arrest after body of missing man found

A man was arrested on suspicion of murder following the unexplained death of another man.

Dorset Police said the body of a 23-year-old local man, whose name was given as Damian, was located in the area of Newton Hill near Sturminster Newton at about 12:45 BST on Saturday.

He was reported missing after last being seen in the area of Station Road on 17 May.

A Blandford man aged in his 30s, believed to have been known to Damian, was arrested and released on police bail on Wednesday.

Det Insp Mark Jenkins said: "Our thoughts remain with Damian's family at this very difficult time, and we are doing all we can to support them and keep them updated on our inquiries.

"We are carrying out a careful and considered investigation into the circumstances surrounding this death, the precise cause of which is unexplained, and I am appealing to anyone with information that might assist our inquiries to please make contact with us."

He added: "The arrest was made in order to assist us in gathering as much information as possible while also providing legal protection to the individual concerned.

"There will continue to be a policing presence in the Sturminster Newton area as we carry out inquiries, and officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns."

Police especially want anyone who had contact with Damian on 17 May to get in touch.

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