A woman who was seriously injured in a double stabbing on a beach in Bournemouth that claimed the life of another remains fighting for her life in hospital, police have said.
Dorset Police confirmed that the 38-year-old woman from Poole is still being treated by medics after being stabbed on Durley Chine Beach shortly before midnight on Friday, May 24. Another woman, aged 34 and also from Poole, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A mile-long stretch of the coast west of Bournemouth Pier remains closed this morning as police continue to search for evidence. A 17-year-old boy from Lancashire is in custody on suspicion of murder.
At a press conference today, detectives aimed to reassure the public following the shocking incident, revealing that additional police officers will be on patrol for the rest of the Bank Holiday weekend.
Detective Superintendent Richard Dixey, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, told reporters: “Dorset Police would like to reassure communities that we are investigating at pace the full circumstances of a woman’s death in Bournemouth.
He continued, “At 11:42 pm on Friday, May 24, Dorset Police received a report that two people had been stabbed on Durley Chine Beach. Very sadly, a 34-year-old woman from Poole was pronounced dead at the scene. A 38-year-old woman from Poole was taken to hospital with serious injuries where she continues to receive treatment. A 17-year-old boy from Lancashire has been arrested and remains in custody at this time.
DS Dixey called speculation about the incident “unhelpful,” adding, “We recognise the impact this incident has on our communities and are aware of speculation already appearing online about the possible circumstances. It is important to state that our investigation is still in the very early stages and it is unhelpful to speculate as to why this tragedy has happened, especially as an arrest has been made. Further updates will be provided as the investigation develops.”
He also reassured the community that detectives, assisted by colleagues around the organisation, are working tirelessly to progress the investigation. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the victims who are being supported by specialist officers during this incredibly difficult time.
DS Dixey urged anyone with information or footage that could assist the investigation to come forward. We remain particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the vicinity of Durley Chine beach between 10 pm on Friday, May 24, and midnight that same day who saw anything unusual. Similarly, anyone who was in the area of Durley roundabout, West Cliff Gardens, Durley Gardens, and West Cliff Drive between the same times. Did you see anyone acting strangely? Do you have dashcam or CCTV footage that may assist the enquiry? Information can be uploaded through our dedicated Major Incident Public Portal for this case.
Police have cordoned off a one-mile stretch of the beach from west of the pier to Alum Chine. All businesses within the cordon, including the Bournemouth Oceanarium and several restaurants and beach bars, remain closed as investigations continue.
BCP Council tweeted: “Due to an ongoing police investigation, a Police cordon remains in place between the Bournemouth Oceanarium and the Western side of Alum Chine. The beach, promenade, beach huts, Durley Chine car park, all businesses, and access points within the cordon are currently closed.
Local MP Sir Conor Burns expressed his horror at the “tragic, brutal” incident. He said, “Yet another tragic, brutal event locally. One will want to reassure the public that one of the reasons that these events are still so newsworthy is that they are still so relatively rare. We want to hear quickly from the police what they are finding and hope that this is an isolated, random act of violence, as so often these things are.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email at [email protected], or by calling 101, quoting incident number 24:707. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
