Dorset beach stabbing: What we know as investigation enters fourth day

As reported, yesterday afternoon a 17-year-old boy was released without charge from the murder probe.

Officers have renewed their appeal for help from the public to identify an individual in CCTV images the force has named as a suspect.

We will be bringing all the updates as we get them, but here is what we know so far.

What happened?

Officers received a report that two people had been stabbed at 11.42pm on Friday, May 24 at Durley Chine beach.

A 34-year-old woman from Poole was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her next of kin have been informed, the coroner notified and a murder investigation was launched.

A 38-year-old woman from Poole was taken to hospital with very serious injuries, with her next of kin made aware.

What is the condition of the victim in hospital?

Dorset Police said she is still receiving treatment in hospital.

Detective Superintendent Richard Dixey, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with the loved ones of the woman who tragically lost her life and the surviving victim as we drive forward our investigation.”

Has anyone been arrested?

A 17-year-old boy from Lancashire was arrested on Saturday, May 25, on suspicion of murder.

He has now been released without charge and eliminated from the police’s enquiries.

As of 10.55am on Tuesday, May 28, no one else is in custody.

Is the cordon still in place on the beach?

No, officers have lifted the cordon on the promenade and beach, meaning residents and visitors can access the beach from Bournemouth Pier to Sandbanks.

A cordon remains in place at the West Cliff Zig-Zag, and the Durley Chine car park remains closed to the public, with only deliveries allowed through at this stage, officers on the cordon told the Daily Echo.

Two police vehicles are still in place on Bournemouth promenade, with officers on the scene.

Officers can be approached by members of the public if they have any concerns or questions.

What is happening now?

The investigation is continuing. Officers have been seen this morning searching on the cliff face by the West Cliff Zig-Zag, with search advisors on the scene.

Officers have renewed their appeal to identify a person in CCTV images shared on Sunday.

Detective Superintendent Dixey said: “The investigation into this tragic incident is progressing and detectives are dedicated to finding out what happened and ensuring our communities remain safe and secure.

“We need the public’s help to identify the suspect in the CCTV images. If you recognise him or have any information, no matter how small, that may lead us to his identity please get in touch immediately.

“We would ask the public not to approach a suspect under any circumstances, but to call 999 immediately.”

Who would the police like to hear from?

Detective superintendent Dixey said: “If you were on Durley Chine beach during the night from Friday 24 May to Saturday 25 May 2024 and saw the man pictured or any suspicious activity, we need to hear from you.

“We also are renewing our appeal to anyone who was in the area of Durley Roundabout, West Cliff Gardens, Durley Gardens or West Cliff Drive during that night. Did you see anyone acting strangely, mainly between 10pm and midnight? Do you have dashcam or CCTV footage that may assist the enquiry?

“Officers and staff from across the Force are out in the town conducting extensive enquiries, including detailed house-to-house visits, so the public will see a very overt and planned police presence in and around the Bournemouth area.

“We do not take lightly the impact this tragic incident will have on our communities and many members of the public will be concerned. There remains an enhanced and visible policing presence in the area with officers who can be approached if the public feel in any way concerned.”

What do I do if I have information that might help the investigation?

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 occurrence number 55240078013. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.