A MAN has been arrested in connection with the unexplained death of a Lyme Regis war hero in his own home.

A MAN has been arrested in connection with the unexplained death of a Lyme Regis war hero in his own home.

Police said the 56-year-old was helping them with their enquiries, following the death of 84-year-old William Kenely on Monday (May 3).

Mr Kenely was found at his home on Staples Terrace at just after 8am by a friend, and pronounced dead at 8.40am.

A pathology report at Dorset County Hospital showed he had died of wounds.

Inspector Caroline Naughton, of Bridport police said: "The man's death is still being treated as unexplained, as it is not yet clear how he came to sustain his injuries.

"However, as part of our investigation a 56-year-old man has now been arrested in connection with this incident. This man is now helping us with our enquiries."

House-to-house enquiries were made in the Staples Terrace area and the man's home continues to be examined by investigators.

Mr Kenely is understood to have a large extended family and officers are still in the process of contacting his next of kin.

Inspector Naughton continued: "An incident such as this is very unusual in the Lyme Regis area and I should stress that there is no sign of forced entry at the man's home and I understand that nothing is believed to have been stolen.

"Safer Neighbourhood Team officers have been proactively meeting with members of the public in and around the Staples Terrace area. Officers are carrying out patrols in the area to reassure the community."

Anyone who has any information regarding this incident, and is yet to speak to officers, is urged to contact Dorset Police on 01305 222 222.