TRADERS and residents have spoken of their shock after waking to discover that a woman had been killed within yards of their shops and homes.

The victim has been named as 56-year-old Jean Rhoda Kenaghan, a former hotel manager, of Charmister Road.

Police were called to Charminster on Sunday night after receiving phone calls from members of the public claiming that a woman had been stabbed.

They found the victim slumped on the pavement near a takeaway. A man was found sitting nearby.

The incident happened in Charminster Road at around 11.30pm.

A man who works in a local restaurant said: "I called the police and left immediately after.

"I was shocked, I still am. I have never seen anything like that in my life. This is a nightmare, that poor girl." He added: "I knew the woman, I recognised her immediately. She was petite and very pretty. I know everyone here - we are a community.

"It will be a shock to the people here. We don't see that happening in Charminster. It is horrendous."

A resident described the incident as "very disturbing".

Another man said: "I have lived for 20 years in Charminster and there has never been anything, I have never even seen a fight."

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detective Supt Phil James has appealed to any witnesses to contact the incident room on 01202 222114 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

A 51-year-old local man has been charged with murder and will appear at Bournemouth magistrates court this morning.