A TEENAGER has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman was stabbed to death on a beach and another seriously injured.
The 17-year-old from Lancashire was arrested on Saturday following the overnight attack on Friday.
Police were called to Durley Chine Beach in Bournemouth at 11.42pm on Friday evening following reports of a double stabbing.
A 34-year-old woman from Poole was pronounced dead at the scene, while another woman, aged 38, suffered very serious injuries.
A spokesperson for Dorset Police said in a statement: “A murder investigation has been launched by detectives following the death of a woman in Bournemouth.
“At 11.42pm on Friday, Dorset Police received a report that two people had been stabbed at Durley Chine Beach.
“The beach has been cordoned off to allow officers to conduct a thorough investigation at the scene. I would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while this vital work takes place. The public will see an increased police presence in the area. Officers from the local community policing team can be contacted in the coming days with any concerns.”
Chief Inspector Richard Dixey, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “We have worked tirelessly throughout the night since the first report and have been able to continue our investigation.
“First and foremost, our thoughts remain with the loved ones of the woman who very tragically lost her life.
“Officers are continuing their investigations and a cordon remains in place and is likely to remain so for some time to come.
“I would like to renew my appeal for anyone who has information and has not yet spoken to officers to contact us. I would particularly like to hear from anyone who was near Durley Chine beach between 10pm and midnight on Friday 24 May 2024 and saw anything unusual. Information for this case can be uploaded via our dedicated public major incident portal.
“The public will see an increased police presence in the area in the coming days and officers from the local community policing team can be contacted with any concerns.”
Anyone with information is asked to submit it to the investigation team via the Major Incident Public Portal page at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/55HQ23N07-PO1. If you are unable to submit information online, please call 101 quoting event number 55240078013. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555 111.
“Very sadly, a 34-year-old woman from Poole was pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed and the coroner has been notified.
“A 38-year-old woman from Poole was taken to hospital with very serious injuries and her next of kin have been informed.
“Following extensive investigations, a 17-year-old boy from Lancashire has been arrested on suspicion of murder.”
Much of the popular Blue Flag beach will be closed today while the forensic examination of the crime scene continues.
Chief Inspector Gavin House, of Dorset Police, said: “Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the woman who very tragically lost her life.
“Officers are searching the area. A full and detailed investigation is underway. I would ask anyone who saw what happened or has any information about the perpetrator and has not yet spoken to officers to contact us urgently.