A TRAIN driver is due to appear before Bournemouth magistrates today accused of murdering one woman and attempting to murder another.

Paul Coles will face a charge of murdering 24-year-old schoolteacher Charlotte Lewis at his home in Hampden Lane, Southbourne.

The 37-year-old will also be charged with attempting to murder a 46-year-old woman during an incident in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police called to Coles's red-bricked detached cottage found the body of Ms Lewis, a science teacher at Paignton Community and Sports College in Torbay, Devon.

Ms Lewis, who lived in Exeter having recently bought her own home, is believed to have died at the scene from head injuries.

A second woman, aged 46, was discovered at the property. She was taken to Poole Hospital, where she is being treated for non life-threatening injuries.

It is believed that Ms Lewis had been visiting her family in the Bournemouth area.

A former pupil of Bethany Church of England Junior School, Avonbourne School and Bournemouth School for Girls, Ms Lewis secured a job at Paignton College after graduating from Exeter University in 2003. She had recently been promoted to assistant head of year seven.

Yesterday Coles's home remained sealed off as police scenes of crime officers continued their forensic examinations.

Paignton College principal Jane English described Ms Lewis as "a brilliant, lively, vibrant and enthusiastic young woman".

She added: "She was an excellent teacher and the children adored her. They are gutted.

"Charlotte had some very close friends on the staff and they are also very distressed. We have held special assemblies and wanted them to focus on the memories of the lovely times we had with Charlotte. She worked tirelessly and would have had a superb career ahead of her."

Torbay Council's chief executive of children's services, Tony Smith, said: "This news has shocked the entire school community. Our thoughts and condolences are with Charlotte's family and friends. She was a highly respected and well-liked teacher."