A tragic discovery has been made in Bournemouth as a body was found in a pond during the search for a missing father. Dorset Police reported finding the body near Chaseside after receiving notification of its presence at 2:29pm on Monday. Though the identity has yet to be officially confirmed, it is presumed to be Richard Bentley.

The 55 year old had been missing since Saturday, November 16. His family has been informed, and officers are keeping them updated with the ongoing investigation. Authorities are currently probing the circumstances of the death, which is being categorised as "unexplained".

The area around the pond was cordoned off while the police examined the site. Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third, from the Major Crime Investigation Team, disclosed that an enquiry is underway.

"Following the discovery of the body, we have launched an investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death, which is currently being treated as unexplained," he stated. "I am keen to speak to anyone who has seen any suspicious activity around the pond in recent months to please come forward," reports  The Mirror.

He continued by highlighting previous efforts to locate Richard Bentley and appealed to the public once more: "We have previously issued appeals in a bid to locate Richard Bentley, and would continue to urge anyone with information about his disappearance that may help our enquiries to please come forward."

An increased police presence will be noticeable in the vicinity as officers strive to piece together the events, with the public encouraged to approach them with any information or anxieties. "There will be an increased police presence in the area while we work to establish what has happened and we would encourage anyone with information or concerns to please speak with an officer."

Dorset Police have launched an investigation after a harrowing discovery at 2.29pm on Monday 24 March 2025, when a body was found in a Littledown pond. The statement revealed: "Dorset Police received a report at 2.29pm on Monday 24 March 2025 that a body had been found in a pond off Chaseside in the Littledown area."

The body, yet to be formally identified, is thought to be Richard Bentley, aged 55, missing since Saturday 16 November 2024; his family has been notified of the grim find. "While the body has not yet been formally identified, it is believed to be that of 55-year-old Richard Bentley, who was reported missing on Saturday 16 November 2024. His next of kin has been informed and officers are keeping them updated with developments in the investigation."

Currently, a cordon surrounds the pond for investigative purposes, and Dorset Police urge information from the public accessible via their website or by phone, citing occurrence number 55240176625. "A cordon is currently in place at the pond while an investigation is carried out. Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240176625".