A MURDER investigation has been launched into the death of a woman following an incident in a pub car park.

A woman in her 40s died in hospital after police were called to the car park of the Horns Inn in West Parley.

Dorset Police received a report from the ambulance service at 3.39pm on Saturday May 9 in relation to two people requiring medical assistance in the car park of the Christchurch Road pub.

Officers attended to assist the ambulance service.

UPDATE: Dorset Police officer charged with murder after woman died in hospital

A woman aged in her 40s, who had reportedly been found unconscious, was taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital for medical treatment. She died in hospital on the morning of Sunday May 10. Her family has been informed and is being supported by specially-trained officers.

A man aged in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and taken to Poole Hospital for treatment to injuries to his arms. He was later released from hospital.

Following the death of the woman, he was further arrested on suspicion of murder and is assisting detectives with their enquiries.

The man and woman were known to each other.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Dixey, of Dorset Police, said: “Our thoughts are of course with the woman who sadly died and her family.

“I would like to stress that the death is being treated as unexplained at this time and we have launched an investigation to establish the full circumstances of what happened. I would urge anyone with information to please contact Dorset Police.

“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed any activity in the car park of the Horns Inn on the afternoon of Saturday May 9 and has not already spoken to police. I would also urge anyone who was driving in the area and has dashcam fitted to their vehicle to check their footage.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200065559. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.