A 28-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after a nine-year-old girl was stabbed to death in a block of flats in Dorset.

The girl was stabbed in Gilder Close, Christchurch, at 5.45pm on Tuesday and is in hospital for further treatment.

The Christchurch man was arrested and charged with attempted murder and possession of weapons.

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear before Poole Magistrates Court today.

A woman in her 50s who was arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting a crime was released without charge.

The incident occurred at Glider Close, Christchurch, Dorset

Detective Chief Inspector Aimee Schock of BCP CID said: “Following the investigations carried out by detectives, we contacted the Crown Prosecution Service who authorised the prosecution.”

“There will continue to be an increased police presence over the coming days and we would urge anyone with any information or concerns to contact an officer.”

“I would like to thank the community for their continued support.”