A TEENAGER arrested in connection with the death of a man in Bournemouth town centre has been charged with murder.

The 16-year-old boy is due to appear at Poole Magistrates Court tomorrow.

At 4.44am on Saturday, March 12 Dorset Police was called to reports that a 21-year-old man had been stabbed outside Subway on Old Christchurch Road.

He was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition, but the victim – named by detectives at Thomas Roberts from Bournemouth – died a short time later.

Following enquiries, led by Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT), a 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, of MCIT, said: “Following a detailed investigation, we have liaised with the Crown Prosecution Service, which has authorised the charge of murder for the 16-year-old boy arrested in this case. He is due to appear at Poole Magistrates Court on Wednesday, March 16. For legal reasons he cannot be named.

“Mr Roberts’ family has been updated of this development and we continue to do all we can to support them. The thoughts of everyone at Dorset Police remain with his family and friends at this very difficult time.

“This matter is now subject to a court process and it would therefore be entirely inappropriate for Dorset Police to comment further at this time.

It is important that the justice system is allowed to follow its course.

“I would like to remind the public that this matter is now the subject of active court proceedings, and it is important to stress that there should be no commentary or sharing of information online or on social media that could potentially prejudice these proceedings.”

Dorset Police has made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to prior police involvement in connection with the suspect.

Detectives are still appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, who have not yet contacted officers to please get in touch.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online, via email 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.