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Man charged with murder over fatal stabbing of woman on Bournemouth beach

Amie Gray, 34, was knifed to death and another woman left seriously injured in double attack

Tara Cobham
Friday 31 May 2024 22:04 BST
Amie Gray (left) with her wife Sian Gray
Amie Gray (left) with her wife Sian Gray (PA Media)

A man has been charged with murder after a woman was knifed to death in a double stabbing on a beach in Bournemouth.

Nasen Saadi, 20, was charged with murder and attempted murder on Friday over the stabbing of Amie Gray, 34, and another woman, Dorset Police said.

Ms Gray, from nearby Poole, was killed at Durley Chine Beach at 11.42pm last Friday.

The family of the personal trainer, who was also the head coach for the Dorset Futsal Club Ladies, have spoken of their devastation at losing an “amazing, funny and energetic soul”.

Another woman, 38, also from Poole, was seriously injured in the attack and rushed to hospital to be treated – however, she has now been discharged to recover at home.

Amie Gray, from nearby Poole, was killed at Durley Chine Beach at 11.42pm last Friday
Amie Gray, from nearby Poole, was killed at Durley Chine Beach at 11.42pm last Friday (Facebook)

Police launched a murder investigation and arrested Saadi, from Croydon, on Wednesday. He is now due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Saturday after being charged.

Ms Gray’s mother Sharon Macklin previously said in a statement through police: “As a family we are devastated to have lost one of the most amazing, funny, kind and energetic souls.

“When Amie entered a room it filled with laughter and her presence could not be ignored.

“She was beautiful inside and out and there are no words that can express how empty our lives will be without her.

“We will miss her so much and our hearts are forever broken.”

Another woman, 38, also from Poole, was seriously injured in the attack on the beach and was rushed to hospital to be treated
Another woman, 38, also from Poole, was seriously injured in the attack on the beach and was rushed to hospital to be treated (PA Wire)

Ms Gray’s wife Sian Gray said: “Words cannot describe the pain that we feel.

“Amie was the most loving wife and mother. Her giggly laugh and big smile will be hard to be without. A larger than life character.

“I will miss you immensely my love. To the moon and back, forever and always.

“Thank you for all of the love and support shown and for respecting our privacy. It is a difficult time for everyone.”

Forensic officers work at the scene of the double stabbing at Durley Chine Beach
Forensic officers work at the scene of the double stabbing at Durley Chine Beach (Getty Images)

Detective Superintendent Richard Dixey, of the force’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), said on Friday: “Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Amie Gray, as well as the woman who was seriously injured, and they have been updated with this latest development in our investigation.

“This matter has been the subject of an extensive investigation and we have now consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service, which has authorised the charges of murder and attempted murder.

“This means the case will now be the subject of active court proceedings and it is vital that the justice system is allowed to follow its course.

“It is also important to stress that there should be no further commentary or sharing of information online or on social media that could potentially prejudice these court proceedings.”

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