TRIBUTES have been paid after a police inspector was found dead on the Dorset coast.

An investigation was launched after the body of Bournemouth police inspector Neil Munro, 43, was found at Sandbanks, said police Insp Munro's body was found by a gardener under the jetty of a mansion.

He was married with a young son and lived in Bournemouth.

Dorset Police Chief Constable Martin Baker said: "The whole of the force has been deeply shocked by today's news and our thoughts are very much with Neil's family at this time."

Police have not said whether Insp Munro's death was suspicious. He is thought to have suffered serious head injuries.

Police said that Insp Munro's death, while he was off duty, was unexplained and an investigation was under way.

The coroner has been informed. Insp Munro was working in Bournemouth, previously he worked in the Winfrith air support unit.