Police have discovered a body in a Bournemouth pond, believed to be Richard Bentley, missing since November.

Authorities in Bournemouth have launched an investigation after a body was discovered in a local pond. Police believe it may be the remains of 55-year-old Richard Bentley, who disappeared in November last year.

Dorset Police confirmed that officers were alerted to the discovery at Littledown Pond at 2:29 pm on Monday. The area has since been cordoned off as forensic teams and investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the death, which is currently classified as “unexplained.”

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Third, leading the investigation, urged the public to come forward with any information. “Following the discovery of the body, we have launched an investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death. I am keen to speak to anyone who has seen any suspicious activity around the pond in recent months,” he stated.

Heartbreaking Appeal from Daughter

Richard Bentley had been missing since November 12, 2024, when he was last seen in the Townsend area of Bournemouth. His disappearance was reported four days later, sparking a widespread search effort.

His daughter, Miranda, had previously made a public appeal for information, pleading for her father to return home. Speaking to the Bournemouth Echo, she said: “I would like to appeal to you to make contact with your family, who are all extremely worried for you. We just want to make sure you are safe and well and would ask anyone who may have knowledge of Richard’s whereabouts to please contact the police.”

Authorities had released a description of Bentley, noting that he was five feet nine inches tall, of a very slim build, with greying brown hair. At the time of his disappearance, he was believed to have been riding a dark-coloured electric scooter and wearing baggy clothes.

Ongoing Police Investigation

Police have not yet confirmed whether the body found at Littledown Pond is Bentley’s, but they are urging anyone with information about his disappearance or suspicious activity in the area to come forward.

“There will be an increased police presence in the area while we work to establish what has happened,” DCI Third added. “We would encourage anyone with information or concerns to please speak with an officer.”

Richard Bentley’s case has deeply impacted the local community, with many hoping for answers regarding his fate. His disappearance was widely shared across social media and local news, as family and friends desperately sought any leads on his whereabouts.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Dorset Police via their website at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55240176625.

As police continue their investigation, the discovery at Littledown Pond has left many questions unanswered, and the community anxiously awaits further updates.