A MAN has been charged with murder following the death of a woman at a Bournemouth Hotel.

Police were called to the Travelodge just after 8am on Wednesday, December 9, last year, following reports a woman had been found dead.

The victim, who died of multiple blunt force head injuries, was named as 27-year-old Marta Vento, a Spanish national who was living in Bournemouthb and working as a receptionist at the Christchurch Road hotel.

Stephen Cole, aged 32, from Bournemouth, was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Following an assessment by mental health professionals, he was detained under section 2 of the Mental Health Act and placed into the care of mental health services.

Cole has now been charged with murder, appearing at Poole Magistrates' Court via videolink on Thursday, February 18. He will next appear at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, February 19.

Detective Chief Inspector Jez Noyce, of Dorset Police's Major Crime Investigation Team, said: "Following a detailed investigation, we have now consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service, which authorised a charge of murder.

“Our thoughts remain with the family of Marta Vento at this extremely difficult time for them and they continued to be supported by specially-trained officers.

“This matter is now subject to court proceedings and it would be entirely inappropriate for Dorset Police to comment any further ahead of the trial as it is vital that the justice system is allowed to follow its course.

“I would like to remind the public that the individual charged in connection with this investigation has a right to a fair trial and it is important that there should be no commentary or sharing of information online or on social media that could potentially prejudice the active court proceedings.”