A MURDER investigation has been launched after the remains of a man were found buried in a suitcase near a Bournemouth footpath.

Dorset Police say the body is that of Richard Henry Emery, 62, who disappeared from his flat in the Townsend area of the town in April.

A forensic post mortem at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester yesterday proved inconclusive but detectives believe Mr Emery was murdered.

Detective chief inspector Neil Redstone said: "Although the cause of death is unascertained, there are definite indications that Mr Emery was assaulted before being put in the suitcase.

"We strongly believe that Mr Emery was murdered."

The buried suitcase was found by police next to a footpath linking Throop Road, where Mr Emery lived, and Cheshire Drive in Bournemouth.

A 46-year-old woman and a 36-year-old-man, both from Bournemouth, have been arrested in connection with the investigation.