Cops release CCTV of suspect after ‘beautiful’ personal trainer, 34, stabbed to death on Bournemouth beach
COPS have released CCTV footage of a suspect after a “beautiful” personal trainer was stabbed to death.
The horror unfolded on the sands of a Bournemouth beach on Friday shortly before Amie Gray, 34, was discovered with fatal injuries.
A second woman, 38, also sustained serious injuries on Durley Chine Beach and is receiving treatment in hospital.
Dorset Police is questioning a 17-year-old boy from Lancashire on suspicion of murder and attempted murder over the double stabbing. He remains in custody.
The force has since released images of someone they believe to be a suspect and are asking witnesses to come forward.
The young man of slim build, dressed in a dark coat and trousers, has his hood up as he paces in the grainy pictures.
Detective Superintendent Richard Dixey said: “Since this tragic incident was reported to us, we have been driving the investigation forward, collecting as much information as possible to get answers for the loved ones of the young woman who has tragically lost her life and for the surviving victim.
“Our thoughts remain with them.
“We are now in a position to issue CCTV images of the suspect.
“I would urge anyone who was in the area of Durley Chine beach during the night from Friday May 24 to Saturday May 25 and may have seen the person pictured or anything unusual to please come forward.
“Similarly, anyone who was in the area of Durley Roundabout, West Cliff Gardens, Durley Gardens or West Cliff Drive during that night might have vital clues that could help us.
“Did you see anyone acting strangely, mainly between 10pm and midnight? Do you have dashcam or CCTV footage that may assist the enquiry?
“Anyone who thinks they recognise the person in the CCTV images should contact police.”
Det Supt Dixey added: “We are of course acutely aware of the concerns this incident will have created and indeed continues to create.
“The impact on our communities and the protection of our public remains at the forefront of our minds.
“The enhanced police presence in the area will remain as long as is necessary and if you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to an officer.”
The shocking attack came as thousands of holidaymakers began arriving in Bournemouth for the Whitsun bank holiday weekend.
Yesterday a mile-long stretch of the world-famous beach remained sealed off from Bournemouth Pier to Alum Chine, where flowers were laid in tribute.
EXTENSIVE POLICE SEARCH
Police carried out extensive searches with metal detectors, suggesting they are still searching for the murder weapon.
Officers combed an area of the sand which appeared to be stained with blood near a groyne at Durley Chine, around a 15-minute walk to the pier.
Police said they received a report at 11.42pm on Friday that two people had been stabbed at Durley Chine Beach.
They said in a statement yesterday: “Very sadly, a 34-year-old woman from Poole was pronounced dead at the scene.
“A 38-year-old woman from Poole was taken to hospital with serious injuries where she continues to receive treatment.”
One local acquaintance of Amie’s said: “It is such a shocking thing to happen. She was a wonderful human being and didn’t have any enemies.”
Amie worked in sales and was also a personal fitness trainer who ran a local ladies indoor football team.
She was given her coaching badge by the Football Association in January this year.
Dorset Futsal Club – where Amie was head ladies coach – changed its profile pic to a black square over the weekend.
‘DEVASTATING NEWS’
They said the club “has received truly devastating news,” adding: “We cannot put this into words at this time and as a mark of respect to all those affected, we will not be posting anything in the foreseeable future.”
A relative of Amie’s posted photos of her receiving a recent award for her work with Dorset Futsal Club.
Grieving friends commented underneath: “So sorry for your loss, she was a beautiful person.”
Detective Superintendent Richard Dixey, of the Dorset Major Crime Investigation Team, appealed for anyone in the Durley Chine Beach area between 10pm and midnight on Friday to come forward.
He said detectives are working “tirelessly” to progress the investigation.
POLICE APPEAL
The detective went on: “Our thoughts remain with family and friends of the victims who are being supported by specialist officers during this incredibly difficult time.
“We recognise the impact this incident has on our communities and are aware of speculation already appearing online about the possible circumstances.
“Further updates will be provided as the investigation develops.
“I want to reassure our communities in Dorset as well as the many people who choose to visit our county during the bank holiday weekend that we are exploring all available lines of enquiry to establish the motives for this horrendous incident.
“We understand the concern that the public will have as a result of this incident.
“There will be an enhanced police presence in the area and we are also working closely with our partner agencies and community groups to address this.
“If you are in the area and have concerns, please do not hesitate to speak to an officer.
“I would like to use this opportunity to renew my appeal for anyone with information who has not yet spoken to officers to please contact us.”