A man has been dramatically arrested in connection with the murder of a mum - of - two eight years ago.

Around a dozen police officers investigating the murder of Heather Barnett arrived at a house.

An hour later, they took away a 38-year-old man who is now being questioned by detectives.

The raid happened in Chatsworth Road in the Charminster area of Bournemouth around 6.30am today.

The man arrested was not named by police, but the Daily Echo understands he is Danilo Restivo, an Italian.

The operation was carried out by Dorset’s Major Crime Investigation Team, with the inquiry headed by Detective Superintendent Mark Cooper.

Police will be investigating the property later today.

Officers sealed off the house, which is only yards away from where Heather Barnett, 48, was killed on November 12 2002.

She was discovered in the bathroom of her own home in nearby Capstone Road.

Progress in the case has been accelerated in recent weeks following the discovery of the body of schoolgirl Elisa Claps hidden in a church in Potenza, Italy, in March.

The 16-year-old went missing in September 1993.

Police are expected to issue a formal statement later this morning.