A MAN and a woman – both in their 70s – have been found dead at a property in Poole.

Police were called to an incident in Anthony’s Avenue at 11.35am on Tuesday (December 31), and went to the address with the ambulance service.

There, they found the bodies of a man and a woman and an investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances of both deaths.

“The man and the woman were known to each other. The next kin have been informed and the coroner has been notified,” a Dorset Police spokesperson said.

Detective Inspector Ian Allen, of Dorset Police, added: “This is a very sad incident and we are doing all we can to support the next of kin.

“Officers are carrying out enquiries to establish exactly what happened and a cordon is in place to allow a thorough investigation of the scene to take place.

“At this time, it is not believed anyone else was involved in the incident and enquiries will continue to find out the full circumstances surrounding the deaths.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have any information to help our investigation to please contact Dorset Police.

“We are trying to establish a timeline of what happened, but are currently considering the period over the Christmas holidays until today.

“There will be an increased police presence in the area and we would encourage anyone to contact officers from the local neighbourhood policing team if they have any concerns or information.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Dorset Police via www.dorset.police.uk, or by calling 101, quoting incident number 55240198989. They can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.