A BOY of 16 has been charged with murder following the death of Weymouth woman Leah Whittle.

A Dorset Police spokesman said the youth would appear at Weymouth Youth Court this morning to face the charge.

He was charged yesterday following questioning at Weymouth police station by detectives.

The boy cannot be named because he is under 18.

The body of Leah Whittle was found in her flat at Fiveways Court, Benville Road, Weymouth on Saturday afternoon.

Leah Whittle was originally from Portland and had moved back to the area recently from Doncaster.

Residents described her as a nice and polite woman.

A manhunt was launched following the discovery with a search involving the police helicopter, armed police and sniffer dogs.

Armed police were drafted in from the Olympic security team were also called in to search the area.

Around 30 police officers were involved in the investigation with officers tightening security and checking cars entering and leaving Portland.

A thorough forensic investigation went on throughout the day on Sunday and police scoured neighbouring gardens and checked under parked cars for clues.

A fingertip search of a building site opposite the flats took place and officers checked drains, windows and the Fiveways Court flat for more clues. An arrest was made later on Portland.

John Pearce, of Alf’s Fish and Chips in Lynch Road, said of Leah Whittle: “When she came in here she was a nice and polite lady – an all-round nice person. May she rest in peace.”

Flowers have been placed in tribute to Leah Whittle at the scene.