Teenager arrested on suspicion of murder

A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman was stabbed to death on a Bournemouth beach.

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 34-year-old woman died after being stabbed on Friday evening on Durley Chine beach in Bournemouth, Dorset Police said.

Dorset Police said they were called to reports that two women, both from Poole, had been stabbed on Durley Chine beach at around 11.45pm on Friday.

A 34-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene while a 38-year-old woman was taken to hospital with very serious injuries.

Their next of kin have been informed and the coroner notified. The beach has been cordoned off while police search the area.

On Saturday lunchtime, police said a 17-year-old boy from Lancashire had been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Detective Superintendent Richard Dixey said: “We have worked tirelessly through the night since the initial report and have been able to progress our investigation.

“Firstly, our thoughts are with the loved ones of the woman who lost her life very tragically.

“Officers are continuing their inquiries and a cordon remains in place and is expected to remain in place for some time.”

On Saturday, two forensic vans are parked on the promenade and a team of forensic officers are scouring this area of ​​beach.

Police cordoned off more than a mile of the popular Dorset beach, from west of the pier to Alum Chine.

An ambulance is also present on the promenade and police officers are stationed at the top of the cliff to prevent holidaymakers from accessing the beach via the zigzag steps.

Durley Chine, a 15-minute walk west of Bournemouth Pier, is a favorite with families as it is normally quieter and less noisy than the pier beach.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to the beach today at the start of the bank holiday weekend to make the most of the 60F sunshine.

'Heartbreaking'

A holidaymaker at the cliff top said: “It’s such a beautiful place. What happened breaks my heart.

People have taken to social media to express their shock at the stabbings, which are the latest in a series of serious crimes to have occurred on Bournemouth beach in recent years.

Tina-Jayne Smith said: “Absolutely shocking, what is happening to our city? Our thoughts are with the women’s families xx. »

Tracy Craddock-Marks added: “This is absolutely shocking and horrific. What the hell is this world heading towards?!!!! I fear for the future of our children.

“Love and thoughts are with the families and prayers for the lady in hospital.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, email [email protected] or by calling 101, citing incident number 24:707.