Knife attacker search after woman killed on beach

Police are searching for a knife attacker who killed a woman on a Bournemouth beach on Friday night.

A 34-year-old woman died in the incident and another woman, age 38, has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The double stabbing happened on Durley Chine Beach shortly before midnight.

A murder investigation is under way and police are appealing for witnesses. The beach is closed with a large police cordon in place.

BBC reporter Sarah Farmer, who was at the scene, witnessed beachgoers being turned away by police officers.

She saw people walking along the promenade towards the cordon, not realising they could not get to Durley Chine beach.

They were then 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.

Earlier, Dorset Police said both of the victims - one of whom was pronounced dead at the scene - were from nearby Poole.

Supt Gavin House said officers were searching the area but "no arrests have been made at this time".

He continued: “Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the woman who very tragically lost her life."

Witnesses or anyone with information about the offender have been urged to speak to police urgently.

In a 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."