THE death of a young man in North Dorset is no longer being treated as suspicious following a lengthy police investigation.

Detectives launched enquiries after the body of a 23-year-old local man was discovered on land near Newton Hill, close to Sturminster Newton, at around 12.45pm on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

The man had been reported missing a week earlier, having last been seen at around 3am on Saturday, May 17, in the Station Road area.

In the early stages of the investigation, a man in his 30s from Blandford was arrested on suspicion of murder.

He was later released under investigation while officers carried out detailed enquiries.

Police have now confirmed that, following extensive work including toxicology and pathology tests, there is no evidence that anyone else was involved in the man’s death.

The arrested man has been released from under investigation and will face no further action.

Officers said the arrest was made to help gather as much information as possible during the investigation, while also ensuring legal protections were in place.

The deceased man’s family has been kept informed throughout, and police say their thoughts remain with them.

The case will now be passed to HM Coroner, with an inquest set to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death. Detectives will continue to assist as required.