Man arrested on suspicion of murder

A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of a football coach on a beach in Bournemouth.

Police were called to reports that two Poole women had been stabbed on Durley Chine Beach at around 11.45pm on Friday 24 May.

Amie Gray, 34, was pronounced dead at the scene, while a 38-year-old woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries and is still receiving treatment.

Dorset Police said on Tuesday they had arrested a man from Croydon, south London, on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Sup. Det Richard Dixey said: “The investigation has progressed rapidly in recent days, leading to the arrest in London.

“Officers from Dorset Police’s firearms and intelligence teams worked alongside colleagues from the Metropolitan Police to make the arrest.”

The force had previously arrested a 17-year-old Lancashire boy over the stabbing but later released him without charge.

The new arrest comes after police released CCTV footage of a suspect they wanted to identify and urged the public not to approach him “under any circumstances”.

Thoughts with the victim’s family

Det Sgt Dixey, from the Major Crime Squad, said: “We are continuing to update the loved ones of the woman who tragically died, as well as the victim in hospital, with all the latest developments and our thoughts remain with them.

“I would like to thank everyone who has come forward with information so far and reiterate my appeal for witnesses who have not already come forward to contact Dorset Police.

“The increased visible police presence in the area will remain in place and we will continue to strongly encourage anyone with concerns not to hesitate to speak to any officer who will be able to listen and provide appropriate advice.”

In a tribute to Mrs Gray, her family said “sunsets will always remind us of you”.

On Sunday, Mrs Gray’s wife Sian Gray and their daughter scattered petals into the sea at sunset in her memory.

Sharing photos of the tribute on Facebook, Sian Gray wrote: “Sunsets will always remind us of you, Amie Gray. Beloved wife and mother forever.”

Michelle Small, a friend, wrote that Ms. Gray “was always the sweetest young girl and continued to be throughout her cruelly short life. RIP beautiful girl”.

Mrs Gray had been the head ladies coach at Dorset Futsal Club. Over the weekend, the club changed its social media photo to a black square and posted that it had “received some truly devastating news”.

It said: “We can’t put this into words at this time and out of respect for all those affected we will not be posting anything new for the foreseeable future.”