Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in Poole Harbour.
Dorset Police received a report at 6.56pm on Sunday 31 May 2026 that a man was believed to have gone into the water from a sailing boat in the area of Arne Bay between around 8pm and 9pm on Friday 29 May 2026.
A report was subsequently received at 6.11am on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, that a man had been found unresponsive in the water in Poole Harbour off the coast of Baiter Park.
He was recovered from the water and it was confirmed that the man was deceased.
While formal identification has not yet taken place, it is believed to be the man who was reported to have gone into the water – 35-year-old Michael Mitchell from Chelmsford in Essex, who was known to his family as ‘Mitch’. His family has been updated.
An investigation is underway into the circumstances of death, led by detectives from Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT).
As part of the investigation, three men – a 46-year-old from Poole, a 31-year-old of no fixed abode and a 22-year-old from Essex – have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody, with the arrests made to assist the investigation in gathering information and also to provide legal protection to those involved as enquiries continue.
The arrested men and the man who is reported to have gone into the water are believed to be known to each other.
Detective Chief Inspector Nicky Jenkins, of MCIT, said: “We are carrying out a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances of the death.
“Michael Mitchell’s family are continuing to be updated with developments and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.
“We are compiling detailed evidence to establish a clear picture of what happened and we would urge people to refrain from speculating on the circumstances of this incident as these enquiries remain ongoing.
“We would urge anyone who has any information that might assist our investigation, or who has had any recent contact with Mr Mitchell, to please come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55260080161. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
