A MAN was pronounced dead on Sunday morning just yards from the Bournemouth Marathon course.

The race continued as normal but spectators were asked to avoid Boscombe Chine Gardens if they could, as areas were cordoned off by while investigations continued.

Bournemouth Echo:

Dorset Police confirmed they received a report of an unconscious man in the gardens at 7.39am on Sunday.

Bournemouth Echo:

A police spokesman said: “Dorset Police received a report by the ambulance service of an unconscious man in Boscombe Chine Gardens at Boscombe Pier.

“Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The next of kin have been informed.

“There are no suspicious circumstances and enquiries are ongoing on behalf of the coroner.”

Bournemouth Echo:

Detectives and forensics officers attended the scene to carry out investigations into the death.

Cordons remained in place on steps leading from Boscombe Chine Gardens to Boscombe Pier, East Overcliff Drive, and in the area of Monkey Island.

Day two of the Bournemouth Marathon Festival took place on Sunday morning with the half marathon and full marathon events starting shortly after the man was discovered.

Passersby told the Echo the cordon had been in place since they arrived to set up for the popular running event.

One witness said: “It was clear something bad had happened. We were told to avoid this area by race organisers further down the course because of a serious police incident.”

The marathon route passed close to the area cordoned off by officers.