Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team has received a national investigation award for its work on the murder and attempted murder of two women on Bournemouth beach last year.
The team was named joint winner of the Investigation of the Year award on Wednesday 19 November.
The recognition was given by the Police Federation National Detective Forum, which judges the award on the highest standards of investigative skill in complex cases.
It relates to the investigation into the murder of Amie Gray and the attempted murder of Leanne Miles, who were attacked while spending an evening on the beach in May last year.
The offender, twenty one year old Nasen Saadi from Croydon, was unknown to the victims and carried out an unprovoked attack. Officers had to identify the suspect quickly and carried out detailed CCTV examinations and other enquiries to trace him.
A breakthrough came when CCTV showed Saadi visiting a nearby shop and paying by bank card, allowing investigators to follow financial lines of enquiry that led to his arrest.
The team then built a case using CCTV, witness evidence, digital material and financial information gathered through extensive work.
As a result of their efforts, Saadi was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of thirty nine years and sixty five days. Senior officers said the award reflects the determination shown throughout the investigation and the need to secure justice for victims.
Chief Constable Amanda Pearson said the team’s work in this challenging case showed their commitment to identifying offenders and achieving convictions.
She highlighted the support given by other officers, staff and volunteers, and recognised the courage shown by Leanne Miles and members of the public who assisted the investigation.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said the attack had a profound impact on the community and offered condolences to those affected. He thanked all those involved in the investigation and said the team’s professionalism and dedication had rightly been recognised.
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