Search for man and arrest made after woman found dead

News imageDorset Police A mugshot of a man with Dorset Police's logo in the bottom right cornerDorset Police
Police are urgently searching for Richard Ball - also known as Rick and Ricky - as part of their ongoing investigation

Police have launched an urgent appeal to find a man following the death of a woman, which is being treated as suspicious.

Dorset Police received a report at 02:25 BST on Wednesday that the body of a 51-year-old woman had been found at an address in Paddington Grove, Bournemouth. A cordon remains in place at the address.

The force said 56-year-old Richard Sean Ball, also known as Rick and Ricky, is wanted in connection with the ongoing investigation. Anyone who sees Ball is urged to not approach him and to dial 999 immediately.

Police also said a woman in her 30s from Bournemouth had been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

News imageDorset Police A CCTV image of a man wearing a black tshirtDorset Police
Dorset Police has released two images of Richard Sean Ball in an appeal to find him

Ch Insp Nicola Jenkins said: "We are urgently trying to locate Richard Sean Ball in connection with the death and I am now appealing to any members of the public with information regarding his whereabouts to please come forward.

"We are continuing to carry out extensive enquiries as we seek to establish the full circumstances of this death."

She also appealed for anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area of Paddington Grove between 10 June and 1 July to come forward.

"A cordon remains in place at the address in Paddington Grove and there will continue to be an increased police presence in the area."