Appeal for witnesses following Weymouth hotel death

Detectives have launched an appeal for information following the death of a man at a hotel in Weymouth.

Dorset Police received a report of a man needing medical assistance at Hotel Central in Maiden Street at 11.07pm on 30 December 2023.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene just after 12am on 31 December 2023.

His death is being treated as unexplained and is being investigated by detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT).

Five local men – two 19-year-olds and men aged 21, 31 and 34 – have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Mark Jenkins, detective inspector of MCIT, said: "Our thoughts are with the family of the man who sadly died, and we are carrying out a number of enquiries as we look to establish the full circumstances of this death.

"I am appealing to anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in or around the Hotel Central in Maiden Street on the evening of Saturday 30 December, or who has any information that might assist our enquiries, to please contact us.

He added: "The investigation remains ongoing and there will be an increased policing presence in the vicinity as further enquiries are conducted. Officers can be approached by members of the public with any information or concerns."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230203519.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.