A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after police searching for a missing father discovered a body in a pond in Bournemouth. Dorset Police confirmed today that a 24-year-old man from the area has been taken into custody following the grim discovery.
Body believed to be missing dad
The remains are believed to be those of Richard Bentley, a 55-year-old man who had been missing since November. Although formal identification is still pending, Mr Bentley’s next of kin have been informed. He was last seen on November 12 in the Townsend area of the city and reported missing four days later.
His daughter, Miranda, made a heartfelt plea for information shortly after his disappearance, urging her father to make contact: “We just want to make sure you are safe and well.”
Police say suspicious activity will be investigated
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third of the 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 and to provide legal protection, we have made an arrest.”
Police were called at 2:29pm on Monday after a body was spotted in a pond near Chaseside in the Littledown area. Investigations are now underway, with police continuing their enquiries and searching the area where the body was found.
Appeal for witnesses and continued police presence
Dorset Police are urging anyone who may have seen Richard Bentley after November 12 or witnessed suspicious activity in the Littledown area to come forward.
DCI Third added: “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 encourage anyone with concerns to speak with an officer.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Dorset Police via their website or by calling 101, quoting reference 55240176625.
