Detectives have launched a murder investigation following the death of a woman who was found with serious head injuries in Bournemouth – with one man having been arrested.
Officers were called at 12.53am on Tuesday 3rd May by staff at Poole Hospital to reports that a woman was found with serious head injuries shortly after 8pm on Monday 2nd May at an address in Clarence Park Road in the Pokesdown area of the town.
Sadly, Julie Cook, 44 and of Bournemouth, died this evening in hospital as a result of her injuries. Her family have been informed and coroner notified.
The circumstances surrounding her death are suspicious and a murder investigation, led by Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, has been launched.
Inquiries have revealed that Julie was travelling with a man on the London Waterloo to Weymouth train on the afternoon of Monday 2nd May.
At 3.37pm the pair are seen to leave the train at Pokesdown railway station. It is believed they had an altercation on the platform before they walked out of the station towards Christchurch Road. It is understood the pair arrived at the address in Clarence Park Road sometime between 4pm and 4.30pm.
Detective Inspector Neil Phillips, of MCIT, said: “We have now launched a murder investigation following the death of Julie Cook.
“As part of my investigation, I am trying to establish her movements in the hours before she was found seriously injured.
“I have released these details in the hope that someone may have seen the victim and a man travelling on the train, getting off at Pokesdown station or walking toward Clarence Park Road.
“I am particularly keen to trace two young women who were seen at Pokesdown railway station at the same time that day. One was carrying a white shopping bag and the other carried a handbag over her shoulder.
“I believe these women may have seen the couple on the platform or witnessed the incident and I have released CCTV images of them in the hope that I can identify them. I would ask these women or anyone who knows them to please contact me.”
Today, Wednesday 4th May, detectives were granted a 36-hour extension from Bournemouth Magistrates to question a 36-year-old Bournemouth man who has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains assisting officers with their enquiries.
Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting Operation Oxbow. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.
