Man in 70s found dead at holiday park by Dorchester as cops arrest two people in their 50s ‘known to him’ over ‘murder’

A MAN in his 70s has been found dead in a lake at a holiday park - as cops arrest two people "known to him"; on suspicion of murder.

Police rushed to Warmwell Holiday Park near Dorchester at 12.17am on Sunday after concerns were raised for the welfare of a man believed to be in Heron Lake.

Paramedics and firefighters also scrambled to the scene before the victim, who has not yet been named, was found in the water.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the pensioner from Birmingham was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. 

Cops arrested a man and woman, both aged in their 50s and also from Birmingham, on suspicion of murder.

The woman was also arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

Dorset Police confirmed the man who died and the individuals who have been arrested are "known to each other".

A cordon has been put up in place as detectives continue to investigate the tragic incident.

Cops have urged anyone who witnessed or heard anything suspicious in the area to come forward.

Detective Inspector Shaun Inkpen, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who sadly died, and we have launched a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.

“We are carrying out extensive enquiries in the area of the holiday park and a cordon has been put in place as we conduct our investigation.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who witnessed or heard anything suspicious in the area during the evening of Saturday 22 June into the early hours of Sunday 23 June 2024.

“There will be an increased policing presence in the vicinity as we carry out our enquiries and officers can be approached by any members of the public with information or concerns.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240094346.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.

Based in Dorset, Warmwell Holiday Park is a popular site boasting a number of activities.

There is a 110m ski slope, Jurassic Crazy Golf, bungee trampolines, a Sports Dome, Arts and Crafts Den and an indoor pool with flume and wave machine.

Guests can also try out hoverboards, scale new heights on the high ropes course or play in the virtual reality arcade.