Teenage pair found dead by police near Dorset town

Two teenagers have been found dead near a town in Dorset.

The male and female, said to be in their late teens, were found near Bridport shortly after 10:00 GMT on Tuesday.

Dorset Police said there were no suspicious circumstances and the coroner had been notified.

The force, which said it was unable to provide the ages of the people involved, has referred itself to the police watchdog over the deaths.

The families of the deceased are being supported by specialist officers, police added.

No details surrounding the circumstances of the deaths have been released.

In a statement, Mayor of Bridport Ian Bark said: "This awful news is heartbreaking for the whole community, and I cannot imagine the pain and grief being felt by family and friends.

"We share their loss and we are thinking of them."

Dorset Police said it had made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) "in line with procedures related to the death or serious injury of an individual".

The force added: "We await further guidance from the IOPC on the matter."

An IOPC spokesperson confirmed they had received a mandatory referral from Dorset Police "relating to prior police contact with two teenagers".

They added: "We are currently assessing the available information, to determine what further action may be required from us."

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