Bournemouth, Crime | Posted on March 28th, 2025 | return to news
Man arrested following discovery of body in Bournemouth pond
Anyone with information about the disappearance of the victim should come forward as Dorset Police continue their investigations.
On Wednesday, we reported the discovery of a man’s body at around 2.30pm on Monday 24 March in a pond off Chaseside in the Littledown area. Following that discovery, a 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. He has since been released on police bail while enquiries continue.
Formal identification has not yet taken place, but the body is believed to be that of 55-year-old Richard Bentley who was reported missing in November 2024.
An investigation was launched by detectives into the death, which is being treated as unexplained.
The arrested man was believed to be known to Richard Bentley.
A cordon remains in place at the pond as further searches and examinations are conducted.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third, of MCIT, said: “We are continuing to update the family of Richard Bentley and our thoughts remain with them through this difficult time.
“An initial post-mortem examination will be carried out to help us establish the cause of death and detailed enquiries will be continuing over the coming weeks.
“We made an arrest to assist us with gathering as much information as we can, while providing legal protection to the individual, and he has been released on conditional bail as we carry out further investigative activity.
“I would like to reiterate my plea to anyone with information about the disappearance of Richard Bentley to please contact Dorset Police. Any detail, no matter how small, may help us in piecing together the circumstances of his sad death.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 552401 76625. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
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