DETECTIVES have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the deaths of a woman in Weymouth and a man on Portland.

Dorset Police was called at 5.40pm on Thursday April 1 by the ambulance service to a report that a woman had been found injured at an address in Ranelagh Road in Weymouth.

Very sadly, the woman – aged in her 50s and from the local area – was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin has been informed.

Dorset Echo: A section of Grove Road in Portland was cordoned off on Thursday evening (April 1) (PHOTO: G Moore)A section of Grove Road in Portland was cordoned off on Thursday evening (April 1) (PHOTO: G Moore)

The woman’s death is being treated as suspicious and an investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances surrounding her death.

As part of our enquiries, at around 6.40pm on the same day officers attended an address in Grove Road on Portland and located the body of a man aged in his 50s. The death is being treated as unexplained and an investigation is underway. His family has also been informed.

The man and woman were known to each other.

Officers from Weymouth and Portland Neighbourhood Team said they will be on patrol this afternoon around Grove Road, Portland to offer reassurance to the community following yesterdays tragic incident.

A cordon was in place at both addresses while officers carried out enquiries at the scene - with armed police attending the scene at Grove Road on Portland.

Dorset Echo: A section of Grove Road in Portland was cordoned off and armed police attended the scene on Thursday evening (April 1) (PHOTO: G Moore)A section of Grove Road in Portland was cordoned off and armed police attended the scene on Thursday evening (April 1) (PHOTO: G Moore)

Detective Inspector Wayne Seymour, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “A detailed investigation is underway looking into the circumstances of both deaths, which are currently being treated as linked.

“The families of both the woman and the man are being supported by specially-trained officers.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed or heard anything suspicious in the area of either Ranelagh Road or Grove Road during the afternoon of Thursday 1 April 2021 to please contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210051727. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.