Boy, 17, arrested after woman stabbed to death on beach
A murder investigation is under way and police are appealing for witnesses
- Published
Police have arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of murder after a woman was stabbed to death on a Bournemouth beach.
The 34-year-old woman died at the scene and another woman, age 38, has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.
The double stabbing happened on Durley Chine Beach shortly before midnight on Friday.
Police have closed the popular beach while they investigate.
Public access around Durley Chine Beach has been closed so officers can carry out investigations
Dorset Police said the teenage suspect is from Lancashire.
Detective Superintendent Richard Dixey said: "We have worked tirelessly throughout the night since the initial report and have been able to progress our investigation.
"Foremost, our thoughts remain with the loved ones of the woman who very tragically lost her life.
"Officers are continuing with their inquiries and a cordon remains in place and is likely to remain so for some time."
Durley Chine Beach is a sand and shingle beach to the west of Bournemouth
People arriving at the beach today have been turned away by police officers.
They were sent away by officers either in the opposite direction, or along the clifftop via the zig-zag footpaths.
The cordons extend all the way along the clifftop and along the beach between Bournemouth Pier and Alum Chine.
Red and white tape marks the cordon at Alum Chine, running from the promenade down to the water's edge.
Police officers guarding the cordon were unable to say how long it would remain in place for during what would normally be a busy Bank Holiday weekend.
Dorset Police said officers were searching the area
In an earlier statement, BCP (Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole) Council said: "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."