Police have launched a murder investigation after the death of a teenager in Bournemouth town centre in the early hours of this morning.
Dorset Police received a call at 1.26am telling them a man had received significant injuries during a fight in the Lower Gardens.
The victim, an 18-year-old man from Bournemouth, was pronounced dead at the scene.
His next of kin have been informed and the coroner notified.
Four 18-year-old men – two from the Portsmouth area, one from Bournemouth and one from Poole – have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Superintendent Gavin House, of Dorset Police, said: “Very sadly a young man has lost his life and our thoughts are with his family and friends.
“A full and detailed investigation is underway into this incident and I would urge anyone who saw what happened and has not yet spoken to officers to please contact us.
“Bournemouth Square and a large area of the Lower Gardens have been cordoned off to enable officers to conduct a thorough investigation of the scene.”
He continued: “I would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while this vital work takes place.
“Members of the public will see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days and officers from the local neighbourhood policing team can be approached with any concerns.”
Anyone with information about the teenager’s death is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email [email protected] or by calling 101, quoting incident number 5:58.
Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
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