A major police investigation is underway after human remains were discovered near a Tesco supermarket in Bournemouth.
Police were called at 8:41am this morning to reports of remains found in a wooded area off Riverside Avenue, close to Castle Lane East.
Officers quickly cordoned off the scene and focused attention on an abandoned caravan nearby, which witnesses say had been left unattended for two to three weeks. Forensic teams and multiple police units were seen swarming the area throughout the day.
A local resident, who regularly visits the Tesco store, said:
“I noticed the caravan a few weeks ago, but today it was surrounded by police cars and forensic vans. It’s shocking to think something so serious was happening just metres away.”
Dorset Police confirmed that the remains appear to be non-recent, and a full investigation is underway to determine the identity of the individual and the circumstances surrounding their death.
A spokesperson for 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 on 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 area surrounding the abandoned caravan remains sealed off, and residents have been advised to avoid the area while investigations continue.
