Police are searching for a knife attacker who stabbed two women on a beach in Bournemouth, killing one woman and seriously injuring the other.

Police were called to Durley Chine beach in Dorset at 11.42pm on Friday. A 34-year-old woman from Poole died at the scene while a 38-year-old woman, also from Poole, was taken to hospital with very serious injuries. The next of kin of both women have been informed.

Officers are searching the area, but no arrests have yet been made. Police are appealing for witnesses.

Supt Gavin House, of Dorset police, said: “I would ask anyone who saw what happened or has any information about the offender and has not yet spoken to officers to please contact us urgently.

“The beach has been cordoned off to enable officers to conduct a thorough investigation of the scene. I would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while this vital work takes place.”

He added the thoughts of police officers are with the loved ones of the woman who lost her life.

In January, figures from the Office for National Statistics found knife crime had increased by 5% in the past year.