Girl, 15, arrested over murder of man, 35, in Dorset after two 16-year-old boys in custody

A TEEN girl has been arrested over the murder of a man found dead in Dorset after two 16-year-old boys were taken into custody.

Dorset Police said the 15-year-old girl had been detained on suspicion of assisting an offender following the death of 35-year-old Edward Reeve.

Detectives launched a murder probe after Mr Reeve's body was found at a property in Heath Road, Christchurch, last week.

Two 16-year-old boys - from Christchurch and Bournemouth - remain in police custody having been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Police are now appealing for CCTV footage recorded in the Heath Road area during the week before Mr Reeve's body was found on January 4.

Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, who is leading the investigation, said: "We have continued with our investigation and have been able to find out further details.

"I am grateful for all the information we have received from the public so far, but I am now appealing with regards to a wider time frame as previously given.

"Therefore, I urge residents and motorists in the area of Heath Road to please check any CCTV systems or dashcam footage from Wednesday December 29 to Tuesday January 4 2022 and to report any suspicious activity they may have witnessed during this time period."

It comes after Edward's mum Jayne Newey, 64, paid tribute to her son, who was a local musician and worked in customer services.

She said: "I just don't believe it. It doesn't seem real. It doesn't seem fair. He didn't deserve it if you ask me."

Jayne told how her son had moved from Buckinghamshire to Christchurch around ten years ago but had suffered with drug addiction.

She revealed her fears over his death and claimed he had been associating with low-lifes.

Jayne added: "I've been suspicious about something like this happening for a long time."

Dorset Police say the victim's family are being supported by specialist officers following the horror on Wednesday at around 7.53pm.

A police presence is still in the area and officers are appealing for anyone who saw anything suspicious to come forward.

Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, of the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), said: “We have been progressing with our detailed investigation since the tragic death and have now made an arrest.

“Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the man who sadly died and our specially-trained officers will continue to provide support to them. They have been kept fully updated in respect of this development."

Anyone who was in Heath Road between Saturday 1 January and Tuesday 4 January and saw "anything out of the ordinary" is urged to get in touch.

DI Huxter added: "Also, our appeal still stands for any residents in the vicinity of Heath Road with home CCTV systems or dashcam footage from vehicles that were in the area during the time frame to please check for any relevant footage.

“Finally, I am renewing my plea for anyone who knows the occupant of 6 Heath Road to please come forward as you may have important information to assist our investigation."

“There will still be a police presence in the area and local officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns.”