THE 25-YEAR old man arrested over the discovery of a woman's body has been charged with murder.

Alvin Jay Santos, of Wimborne Road in Bournemouth, was arrested after teenager Linda Lietaviete was found dead at Horseshoe Common in Bournemouth in the early hours of Friday.

He appeared at Bournemouth Magistrates Court on Monday morning.

The 25-year-old was arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday and after having him in custody for 24 hours police extended his custody first for 12 hours and then a magistrate granted a 36-hour extension on Saturday.

Detective Inspector Marcus Hester, of the Dorset Police Major Crime Team, said: "Following the discovery of a deceased female on Horseshoe Common in Bournemouth during the early hours of Friday morning a detailed murder investigation took place under the supervision of the Dorset Police Major Crime Team.

"Following this and in close liason with the Crown Prosecution Service's deputy chief crown prosecutor John Montague the decision has been made to charge a 25-year-old local man with the murder of this female.

"The man has now been charged and he will remain in custody to appear at Bournemouth Magistrates' Court on Monday morning."

A cordon around the Chepping Dene block of flats between Dene Park Road and Wimborne Road where police had been searching was lifted on Saturday afternoon.

Residents at the flats told the Echo police were asking those living there if they had seen anything.

The cordon around the top of Horseshoe Common was also removed on Saturday

Police launched a murder investigation after the grim discovery near the flyover in the early hours of Friday morning.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene by an ambulance crew.

The entire area was sealed off by police following the incident and the block of flats was cordoned off on Wimborne Road.

Next of kin were informed and the coroner was made aware.

On Friday afternoon police were combing the footpath leading from Dean Park Road to Horseshoe Common and officers were guarding the cordon.

Forensic officers photographed the scene and inspected the body which was kept in a white forensic tent near the underpass on Horseshow Common.

Officers also carried out a thorough search of the block of flats in Wimborne Road and the surrounding garden.

The cordon ran along the common at Old Christchurch Road.

There was also a forensic vehicle on site and officers working under the bridge.

COMMUNITY IN SHOCK

Local businesses and passersby on Horseshoe Common have reacted with shock at the news of the death and the extent of the police tape which covered the whole area.

Lee Gain, who works at Walkabout, said: “The whole area was crawling with police and security guards. I've never seen the whole area taped up like that before, it's absolutely shocking and I can't believe there was a murder here last night.”

Natalie Hogben, who also works at Walkabout, said: “I wouldn't walk past that area at night, it's always full with dodgy people. It's so sad to hear that a girl died.”

Bournemouth Taxi driver Stephen Walker said: “I drove past the police cordon on Wimborne Road, then I saw the whole of Horseshoe Common taped off and I knew something really bad must have happened.”

Martin Lacey said: “I was just on my way to work when I saw all the police tape. I've never seen anything like this before, something really serious must have happened.”

An employee at Fresco said: “At About 1am last night I saw two young men sprinting down through the common towards Yates.

“I saw an empty police car by Yates as well, so I think they were onto them already”

Local residents and neighbours on Wimborne Road have also expressed their shock and concern after seeing the property on Wimborne Road cordoned off.

Samantha Lloyd, who lives on Wimborne Road said: “I always walk through that area with my dog and you often see lots of bottles, evidence of drug use and some quite intimidating people.

“We have a CCTV camera, so we're going to have a look at the tapes and let the police know if we see anything. It is such shocking news.”

One neighbour on Wimborne Road who wished to remain anonymous said: “I walk down that way every morning, but I saw it was all blocked off.

“I've heard the man and woman involved knew each other. I can't believe it as this has happened so close to our home.”

Joan Swain, who lives on Dean Park Road said: “It is so tragic to hear that a woman has died. Because of the police tape, I had to walk the long way round.”

Appeal for witnesses

Dorset Police appealed for witnesses and anyone with information in relation to this incident to contact them urgently on 101 quoting log number 13:004.

Officers were particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious behaviour in the area between the hours of 7pm on Thursday 12 December and 12.30am on Friday 13 December 2013.

Tributes to the woman can be emailed to newsdesk@bournemouthecho.co.uk