THE BODY of a man has been discovered in a park on New Year's Day.

Dorset Police received a report at 8.17am that the man's body had been found in Gardens View in Bournemouth.

Officers attended the scene and a cordon was put in place while enquiries are carried out.

Police said that the man's death is not believed to be suspicious and enquiries are ongoing to confirm the man's identity and inform his next of kin.

Residents reported seeing a number of emergency services in the area.

A member of the public said: "I woke up this morning and when I opened the curtains there were a number of ambulances and police cars outside and up to about nine or 10 police officers.

"I went down and spoke to the female police officer who was on the entrance to the park and she said if anyone needs to know any information, we'll let you know.

"I saw the police going and the coroners van arriving and taking a body away, it's very sad."