Although Dorset Police thought at first that the death of a man in Bournemouth wasn’t suspicious, circumstances have led them to have a rethink.

They received a report at 3.13pm on Friday 14 January from the ambulance service that a man had been found unresponsive in an alleyway at the end of Shelbourne Road.

Officers attended with the ambulance service and very sadly the man, in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin has been informed.

Initial enquiries indicated the cause was not believed to be suspicious. However, detectives have subsequently carried out further investigative work that indicates suspicious circumstances linked to the man’s death, including the use of his bank cards after he sadly died.

Detective Sergeant Stefanie Belton, of Bournemouth CID, said: “We are carrying out a detailed investigation to establish the full circumstances of this death and I am appealing for anyone with information that might assist our enquiries to please come forward.

“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area of the alleyway, which runs alongside the A338 Wessex Way between Shelbourne Road and Malmesbury Park Road, on the afternoon of Friday 14 January 2022.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it/online, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220007070. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.