A man and a woman have been charged with murder after the discovery of “partial” human remains beside a cliffside path near Bournemouth.

The remains were found by a member of the public near a path leading down to a beach in Boscombe, Dorset, last Saturday.

Detectives have identified the remains as those of Simon Shotton, a 49-year-old man from Bournemouth.

Police have charged 38-year-old Debbie Ann Pereira and 48-year-old Benjamin Lee Atkins, both from Bournemouth, with his murder.

They are due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 5 September.

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Detective Inspector Neil Third, of Dorset Police, 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.”

Officers were called to the scene at about 1.10pm on 26 August.

The remains were located near the Manor Steps Zig Zag, a path leading to the beach, off the cliff top at Boscombe Overcliff Drive.

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