The grieving family of a Dorchester teenager who tragically died has criticised police for "insensitivity" in the investigation into their child's death.

Alex Bendall, also known as Alice, was found dead in the River Frome near Lubbecke Way in Dorchester on April 22 after going missing in February.

The last known sighting of the 18-year-old, from Charminster, was on the evening of February 11 in Cornwall Road, Dorchester.

The family said they wanted to be informed by phone if Alex's body was found - but ended up getting a text initially. They were also left shocked when an officer described "bones in boots" being found.

Alex's mother Vicky Bendall said the family had been out searching on April 22 when they received a text message from police, saying they "needed to have a chat", but not explaining why.

The police arrived at their home on the evening on Aprill 22 and broke the news that a body had been found.

Vicky said: "We had all agreed a phone call in case a body was found.

"It is shocking for us to be told in that way and it is insensitive.

"They told us they had found a body, but when we asked if it was Alex, the officer said 'not definitely'.

"They said we have found bones in boots and it is not animal bones."

Vicky said the impact of the words, which were heard by Alex's sister Mary, 17, had left her traumatised.

She said: "The impact on Mary, to hear 'bones in boots' has been massive.

"She will never forget those words used."

Alex's body was found by a dog walker near Lubbecke Way. Officers arrived at 3.20pm, and subsequently, a police cordon and forensics tent were put up in the area.

Dorset Echo: A police cordon was set up at Lubecke WayA police cordon was set up at Lubecke Way (Image: Cristiano Magaglio)

At the same time, the Bendall family were out searching for Alex.

The Bendalls weren't informed until police arrived at their door at 5.20pm, two hours later.

Vicky said: "We were seven miles away looking for a body.

"Since that day I have had friends, neighbours and teachers say that they already knew before we did.

"Dorchester is a small community, there were forensic vans, police, and ambulances all at the river and there were no other missing people at the time.

"Why weren't we told first? I felt like I was the last to know and it hurts.

"I would have rather had the dog walker tell us."

The family has made a complaint to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), after initially complaining to Dorset Police directly.

In a statement Dorset Police said: "Dorset Police wishes to convey our deepest sympathies to the family of Alex whose life ended prematurely.

"We appreciate that nothing we can say or do will ever replace Alex, but we are committed to providing answers to the questions asked and continue to support the family at this difficult time.

"Dorset Police has and continues to investigate concerns raised by the family of Alex Bendall following the missing person investigation.

"This investigation into the complaints is currently ongoing and being overseen by our Professional Standards Team, it would therefore not be appropriate to comment at this time."

The family has also found evidence that Alex may have been raped at the age of 13.

The family found lines in Alex's diary which alleged that she was raped and heard that Alex had told their best friend they had been raped.

Dorset Police said: "As result of previous learning, Dorset Police appointed a senior investigating officer at the outset of the investigation to maintain that open mindset to any potential criminal elements to the missing person investigation.

"During our enquiries to find Alex, officers were able to obtain information from a personal journal that Alex may have been a victim of abuse five or six years earlier.

"This was never reported to police and dates, times and locations are unclear.

"However, police instigated the formal report of the allegations of historic abuse and disclosed our findings to the family.

"Following the conclusion of the investigation to find Alex, these have become the subject of a separate complex investigation, which is ongoing.

"As no supporting evidence had been available to officers at this time, specialist officers are working with the family to identify potential lines of enquiry."