A MAN has been charged with murder after a woman died at an address in Somerford, Christchurch.

Emergency services were called to reports that a woman had sustained serious injuries in Park Gardens at around 2.45am on Sunday, August 26. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

This afternoon, detectives have named her as 37-year-old Sharon Perrett. Formal identification is yet to take place.

Ms Perrett's family are being updated by specially-trained officers. The coroner has also been notified.

An initial post-mortem examination was carried out yesterday, Monday, which indicated the cause of death as blunt force trauma.

A murder investigation was launched by detectives from Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT).

Today, Tuesday, Daniel Raymond O’Malley-Keyes, 38 and of Christchurch, has been charged with murder.

He is due to appear before Poole Magistrates' Court tomorrow.

Detective Inspector Rich Dixey, of MCIT, said: “Following a fast-moving and thorough investigation, we have consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service, which has authorised a charge of murder.

“Family liaison officers have updated Sharon’s family with this development and continue to support them.

“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 court process. It is vital that the justice system is allowed to follow its course.”

A cordon remains in place at the address in Park Gardens and there will continue to be increased patrols in the area by local officers, who can be approached by members of the community with any concerns.

Ms Perrett is believed to have worked for a Mudeford care home. Bouquets of flowers have been left outside the flat where she died.

Anyone with information about the incident who has not already spoken to officers is asked to contact Dorset Police by calling 101, quoting incident number 26:57.