Detectives are appealing for anyone with information to come forward as they investigate the death of a man at an address in Weymouth.
Dorset Police received a report at 11.07pm on Saturday 30 December 2023 relating to an incident where a man required medical assistance at the Hotel Central in Maiden Street.
Officers attended, along with the ambulance service, and very sadly the man was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 12am on Sunday 31 December 2023. Enquiries are ongoing to identify and inform the man’s next of kin and the coroner has been notified.
The death is currently being treated as unexplained and enquiries to establish the circumstances of the death are ongoing, led by detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT).
As part of this investigation five local men – two 19-year-olds and men aged 21, 31 and 34 – have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, of MCIT, said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the man who sadly died, and we are carrying out a number of enquiries as we look to establish the full circumstances of this death.
“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in or around the Hotel Central in Maiden Street on the evening of Saturday 30 December, or who has any information that might assist our enquiries, to please contact us.
“The investigation remains ongoing and there will be an increased policing presence in the vicinity as further enquiries are conducted. Officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230203519. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.