A man has been cleared of murder in connection with the death of his colleague at a farm near Blandford.

Police were called to Hanford Farm on the evening of September 28 last year following reports a 25-year-old man had suffered serious injuries.

The man – Marcin Tameczka, a Polish national who was living locally – was later pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation was carried out by detectives from Dorset Police’s major crime investigation team (MCIT).

Matthew Cradock, aged 26 and of Shaftesbury, was arrested in connection with the incident and subsequently charged with murder of Mr Tameczka who was a colleague.

Following a nine-day trial at Winchester Crown Court, the jury returned a not guilty verdict.

Detective Chief Inspector Rich Dixey, of MCIT, said: “We respect the decision of the court and our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Tameczka.”