Bournemouth death was not murder

The death of a man found in a pond in Bournemouth was not suspicious, according to Dorset Police.

At around 2.30pm on Monday 24 March, a body was found in a pond off Chaseside in the Littledown area. The body has now been formally identified as 55-year-old Richard Bentley.

Bentley was reported missing in November 2024.

An investigation was launched by detectives into the death, which was being treated as unexplained.

To enable detectives to gather more information while providing legal protection, a 24-year-old man from Bournemouth was arrested on suspicion of murder.

After extensive detailed enquiries, involving tracing Bentley’s last movements, detectives are now satisfied that the death was not suspicious. The arrested man will face no further police action in relation to the offence.

Dorset Police will continue to carry out enquiries on behalf of HM Coroner.

Officers have updated the family and friends of Richard Bentley.