A 20-year-old man from Croydon, south London, has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a woman who was stabbed to death on a beach in Bournemouth.

Amie Gray, 34, a women’s football coach from Poole, was attacked on Durley Chine Beach around 11:45 pm on Friday night. She tragically died at the scene, while a 38-year-old woman, also from Poole, sustained serious injuries and remains in hospital.

The Dorset Police released CCTV footage of a hooded suspect seen in the area on Sunday. Following this, a 20-year-old man from Croydon has been arrested in London on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Dorset Police intelligence and firearms officers collaborated with the Metropolitan Police to carry out the arrest. This development follows the arrest and subsequent release of a 17-year-old boy who had been eliminated from the investigation.

Detective Superintendent Richard Dixey, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said, “The investigation has progressed at speed over recent days, which has now led to an arrest being made in London. Officers from Dorset Police intelligence and firearms teams worked together with colleagues from the Metropolitan Police to carry out the arrest. 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.

He continued, “I would like to thank everyone so far who has provided information and reiterate my appeal for any witnesses who have not already come forward to please contact Dorset Police. The enhanced visible policing presence in the area will remain in place and we would continue to strongly encourage anyone with concerns to please not hesitate to speak to any officer who will be able to listen and provide appropriate advice.

Amie Gray was married to Sian Gray and was a stepmother to Sian’s 13-year-old daughter. She worked for National Windscreens and was the ladies’ head coach for the Dorset Futsal Club. She was known for her kindness and often provided lifts to friends. Amie was supposed to pick someone up from the Bournemouth 7s Festival at Chapel Gate, about three miles from Durley Chine Beach, just over an hour after she was killed.

Tributes have poured in for Amie, described by friends as “a beautiful person inside and out.” Her wife and stepdaughter paid tribute to her by sprinkling rose petals into the sea at sunset, telling her they loved her.

Sian Gray said, “Sunsets will always remind us of you, Amie Gray. Forever loved wife and mother.”

Friends and colleagues have also expressed their grief. Michelle Small, who worked with Amie in her first job at 17, said, “She was always the kindest lovely young girl and continued to be so throughout her cruelly cut short life. RIP beautiful girl.

Nicola Smale added, “Fly high Amie Gray, I’ll miss you so much. I feel so heavy! You were such a good friend and someone I could call about anything. A beautiful person inside and out, thank you for all the laughs and memories I will cherish forever.

Alice Fraser noted, “You lit up the room with your fun and bubbly presence.”

Police are urging anyone with information about the attack to come forward. Witnesses or those with information can contact Dorset Police directly.