Police have charged a man following a death in Dartmouth on Saturday.

Dean Rosser, 48, of Jubilee Close, Dartmouth, has been charged with the murder of 49-year-old Colin Edwards, also of Dartmouth.

Rosser was due to appear at Torquay Magistrates Court yesterday morning as the Chronicle went to press.

Police and ambulance crews were called at 6.10pm on Saturday after Mr Edwards was discovered unconscious at St Barnabas Church, a hostel for homeless people in Newcomen Road.

Police said he was given CPR by paramedics but was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.

Rosser was arrested on suspicion of murder and a 43-year-old man, also from Dartmouth, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The 43-year-old, who has not been named, remains on police bail.

Detectives spoke to a number of potential witnesses as part of the investigation and have appealed for anyone who may have information to contact them.

Detective Inspector Steve Davies, senior investigating officer, said: ‘We believe there were a lot of people in the area at the time of this incident and I would ask anyone who witnessed what happened or the events before and after to contact police.

‘The police are working closely with the victim’s family to provide support through this difficult time.’

A cordon was in place around the scene while a forensic examination was carried out and house-to-house inquiries were conducted.

St Barnabas Church is the former Dartmouth Apprentice restaurant, which is now used as a halfway house supported living project, run by Spectrum Housing in conjunction with South Hams Council.

Stuart Davies, neighbourhood services director at Spectrum Housing Group, said: ‘We are very sorry to hear about the incident on Saturday night and are doing all we can to help the police with their inquiries.

‘At this point the police have not released any more information to us about the victim, although we do not believe he was a resident.

‘Spectrum owns the rear of the building which was converted into 10 small flats. The flats are let on the basis of referrals from South Hams District Council for single people in need of accommodation.’

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to assist with the investigation is asked to telephone police on 101 or email [email protected]ce. uk, quoting log number 515 of 23/08/15. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via Crime­stoppers on 0800 555111 or via the charity’s website.