Detectives investigating the discovery of a body in a pond in Bournemouth believe there were no suspicious circumstances.
At around 2.30pm on Monday 24 March 2025, the body of a man was found in a pond off Chaseside in the Littledown area.
The body has now been formally identified as 55-year-old Richard Bentley, who 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 Richard 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 and our thoughts remain with them through this very sad time.
