DETECTIVES investigating the death of nurse Rui Li have charged her husband with her murder.

Pierre Legris, 60, is due to appear before Bournemouth magistrates on Monday.

The body of Rui Li, a 44-year-old nurse at Poole Hospital, was found in the boot of a Fiat Punto parked on Verwood Crescent, Bournemouth, on Friday evening, May 30.

She was reported missing on Tuesday May 27 and was last seen leaving work at 6.17pm on Friday May 23.

Formal identification of the body has not yet taken place.

Detective Inspector Marcus Hester, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Following extensive enquiries, we have consulted with John Montague at the Crown Prosecution Service who has authorised the charge of murder at 10.38pm tonight.

“Family liaison officers have updated Rui’s daughter with these developments – clearly, this is a very difficult time for her as she tries to come to terms with the loss of her mother.

“I would urge members of the media to show consideration and respect her privacy.

“It is also important to stress – as is typical in such circumstances – that it would be entirely inappropriate for Dorset Police to comment further ahead of the trial. It is vital that the justice system is allowed to follow its course.

“This latest development does not mean we do not want to hear from members of the public if they have any information that could help with the investigation into Rui Li’s death.

“We still very much want to hear from anyone who may have any information about what happened to Rui Li.

“In particular we would like anyone with information about the movements of two vehicles – a silver Fiat Punto with registration plate W887 PDL and a large white Ford Transit van with registration plate Y491 GFT – between Saturday May 24 and Wednesday May 28 to contact police.”

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101 quoting Operation Timekeeper or incident log 258 of May 28 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.