FLORAL tributes have been left near the scene of a fatal stabbing in Bournemouth town centre.

Police’s murder investigation is ongoing following the death of a 21-year-old man on Saturday, March 12, after he was rushed to hospital.

A cordon was in place outside Subway in Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, for most of the day following the incident, which took place shortly before 5am.

Officers also blocked off Horseshoe Common, with this closure remaining in place late into Saturday night.

Dorset Police released details on the incident around noon and in the afternoon flowers had started to be placed at the corner of the green space, near Madeira Road.

Bournemouth Echo:

As reported, residents in the area spoke of their shock and fear following the incident.

Police have said an increased officer presence is likely to remain in the area in the coming days.

In an update in the early hours of Sunday, March 13, Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Following fast track enquiries, I can confirm that a 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

"The victim's family have been kept updated with the progress of the investigation and our thoughts are very much with them and his friends at this tragic time."

DI Huxter said police still wanted to speak with anyone who witnessed this incident and had not yet contacted the force.

Bournemouth Echo:

He also asked residents and motorists who were in the area at the relevant time to check their home CCTV systems or dashcam footage and come forward if they have captured anything of relevance.

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, by emailing 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 12:101.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.