Boy, 16, charged with murder after Bournemouth town centre stabbing
21-year-old Thomas Roberts died in hospital after being attacked
Last updated 16th Mar 2022
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of a man in Bournemouth town centre.
Police were called at around 4.45am on Saturday to reports that a man had been stabbed outside Subway in Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth.
Thomas Roberts, 21, was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition and died a short time later.
On Tuesday, Dorset Police confirmed they had charged a 16-year-old boy with murder.
Detective Inspector Simon Huxter 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.
"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."
The teenager is due to appear at Poole Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.
Dorset Police have 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 information in the case and are urging anyone who may be able to help with their investigation to get in touch 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, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by phoning 0800 555 111.