Mystery as man in his 40s found dead in woods just hours after he was ‘assaulted’ as 19-year-old arrested for ‘murder’

COPS are appealing for witnesses after a man in his fourties was found unresponsive in a wooded area.

An investigation is underway after he tragically passed away at the scene in .

Police responded to reports of an unresponsive man in a tent in a wooded area off Holes Bay Road last Thursday morning.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the man was pronouned dead.

are now urging anyone with information to come forward after establishing that the man may have been assaulted in Chapel Lane in Pool around 1:15pm on Wednesday April 2.

A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Detective Inspector Shaun Inkpen, of MCIT, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family of the man who sadly died, and they are being kept fully updated by officers.

“Our extensive enquiries into the circumstances surrounding this death remain ongoing and I am keen to hear from anyone with information that might assist our investigation.

“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the reported assault in the area of Chapel Lane and Dear Hay Lane between 1pm and 1.30pm on Wednesday 2 April 2025. I am also keen to hear from anyone who was driving or had their vehicle parked in the vicinity and may have captured relevant dashcam footage.

“We have also been working to trace the movements of the man who sadly died during the afternoon of Wednesday 2 April 2025. These indicate he was walking in the area of Sterte Road, Sterte Close and Holes Bay Road from around 3.15pm to 4.15pm. Again, I would be keen to hear from anyone who has any dashcam footage from this time period that might assist our investigation.

“At this time work is ongoing to establish the cause of the man’s death and whether there is any link to the reported assault. We have made an arrest to assist us with gathering as much information as we can, while providing legal protection to the individual.

“Local officers can be approached by anyone with information or concerns.”;

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting the occurrence number 55250046778 or submit it to the investigation team via the online portal.