A MURDER investigation has been launched today after a woman’s body was discovered on a piece of open land in Dorset.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “At around 12.20am this morning Dorset Police attended Horseshoe Common in Bournemouth following a report of an incident there.

“Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of a female at the location, and she was pronounced dead at the scene by an ambulance crew.

“A cordon is currently in place.

“Dorset Police can confirm that a murder investigation has been launched."

The spokesman said a 25-year-old Bournemouth man has been arrested on suspicion of murder is in police custody.

The area has been sealed off by police. The cordon runs along the common at Old Christchurch Road.

There are five police cars inside the cordon and officers guarding the police tape.

There is also a forensic vehicle on site and officers working under the bridge.

It is understood Dean Park Road was also cordoned off earlier this morning.

Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information in relation to this incident to contact them urgently on 101 quoting log number 13:004.

Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious behaviour in the area between the hours of 7pm on Thursday 12 December and 12.30am on Friday 13 December 2013.