TWO people have been charged with murder after partial human remains were found near a seafront footpath.

Debbie Ann Pereira, 38, and 48-year-old Benjamin Lee Atkins – both from Bournemouth – have been charged by Dorset Police and are due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court today (September 5).

The remains were found by a member of the public near the Manor Steps Zig Zag, off Boscombe Overcliff Drive, Boscombe, at around 1.10pm on Saturday, August 26.

An investigation was launched by Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) and, following scientific analysis, the victim was identified as 49-year-old Simon Shotton from Bournemouth.

Following detailed enquiries by detectives, Pereira and Atkins were arrested and after liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), charged.

Detective Inspector Neil Third, of MCIT, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Simon Shotton and they have been updated with this latest development in our investigation.

“This matter has been the subject of a meticulous and complex investigation and we have now reached the point where charges of murder have been authorised following consultation with the CPS.

“As this case will now be the subject of active court proceedings, it would not be appropriate for us to comment any further at this time as we must ensure the justice system is allowed to follow its course.

“It is also important to stress that there should be no further commentary or sharing of information online or on social media that could potentially prejudice these court proceedings.”