A murder investigation has been launched after a man went overboard from a sailing boat in Poole Harbour and has not been found. The unnamed individual entered the water from a vessel in Arne Bay between 8pm and 9pm last Friday. However, a missing person report was not filed until two days later at 6.56pm on Sunday.
Arrests Made
Three individuals have been arrested on suspicion of murder as police pursue the inquiry. Those in custody include a 46-year-old man from Poole, a 31-year-old man of no fixed abode, and a 22-year-old from Essex. All three remain detained and are being questioned by detectives from the murder squad.
Forensic Search Underway
Dorset Police have released no details about the missing man. As part of the investigation, forensic officers were seen searching a harbourside block of flats at Baiter Park in Poole on Monday evening. The block, located on Walking Field Lane, was cordoned off as officers conducted their inquiries.
One local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted: 'Last night, I came back from a cycle maybe about 10pm. I saw there was a police van, maybe three or four police cars and then a whole bunch of police people outside the house. They were there until gone midnight. I went to bed at that point. Then this morning I see that they've got two police people stationed at the front and the back.' He added: 'They were trying to presumably keep it secure. Forensics showed up today, probably about 2pm. There's been police coming and going, bits of paper, forms, stuff like that. (I have) got no idea what's going on.'
Police Statement
A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: 'Dorset Police received a report at 6.56pm on Sunday reporting 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. An investigation is underway into the circumstances of him going missing and the subsequent reporting of the matter two days later. His whereabouts remains unknown and detailed searches are being carried out to try and locate him.
'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. Officers are working hard to establish a clear picture of what happened and we would urge people to refrain from speculating on the circumstances of this incident as a thorough investigation is carried out into the matter.'
