Police have cordoned off an area of woodland in Bournemouth following the discovery of human remains, prompting a major investigation into what officers believe is a “non-recent” death.
Officers were alerted shortly after 8.40am on Saturday, 26 April, to reports of remains found in a wooded area off Riverside Avenue. The scene, situated close to the Tesco store on Castle Lane East and the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, has since been sealed off as detectives and forensic teams carry out detailed examinations.
An abandoned caravan, located within the vicinity of the cordon, has become a focal point of enquiries. Witnesses reported that the caravan had been in the area for some weeks prior to the discovery. One local shopper, who regularly visits the nearby supermarket, said he had first noticed the caravan two to three weeks ago but became concerned when he returned on Saturday to find a heavy police presence, including forensic investigation vans and officers erecting a cordon around the site.
In a statement, Dorset Police said:
“Dorset Police received a report at 8.41am on Saturday, 26 April 2025, that human remains had been found in a wooded area off Riverside Avenue in Bournemouth.”
“Officers are currently at the scene, and a cordon has been put in place. A full investigation is underway to establish the identity of the person and the full circumstances of the death, which appears to be non-recent.”
The force has not confirmed whether the remains are male or female, nor the likely timescale or cause of death. Efforts are currently focused on forensic analysis and identifying the individual.
The discovery has sparked concern among local residents, though police have sought to reassure the public that there is no perceived wider risk. Additional officers have been seen patrolling the surrounding areas over the weekend.
It is understood that detectives are working closely with forensic anthropologists and pathologists to piece together the timeline of events leading up to the death. Specialist search teams have also been seen combing the woodland, with drone units deployed to assist in surveying the wider area.
As the investigation remains at a relatively early stage, Dorset Police are appealing for anyone who may have noticed suspicious activity in the area in recent weeks to come forward.
The discovery marks a grim and unusual event for the otherwise quiet area of Bournemouth, and police are expected to remain at the scene for several days as their enquiries continue.
