Man Charged with Murder After Bournemouth Death

A 35-year-old Bournemouth man has been charged with murder following an investigation into a death in the town. Rico Wilson is due to appear at Poole Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 8 April 2026. The charge relates to an incident on Monday 6 April 2026.

Officers received a report of an assault outside MyBar in Charminster Road at around 3am. James Blanch, 41, from Christchurch, was pronounced dead at the scene. His family has been informed and continues to receive updates.

Investigation Update

Following initial enquiries, two men aged 37 and 46 from Bournemouth, and a 34-year-old man from Poole, were arrested on suspicion of murder. They have all been released under investigation. Rico Wilson, a British national who gave his self-defined ethnicity as white British, was subsequently arrested and charged.

A 39-year-old man from Bournemouth, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Police Statement and Appeal

Detective Chief Inspector Nicky Jenkins, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “Following a detailed investigation, we have liaised with the Crown Prosecution Service and it has authorised a charge of murder. We have continued to keep the family of James Blanch fully updated with the progress of our investigation.

“This matter will now be the subject of active court proceedings and it is vital that the judicial process is allowed to follow its course. We would urge members of the public to refrain from any commentary, particularly online and on social media, that could potentially prejudice these proceedings.”

Detectives are continuing to urge anyone with information that might assist their investigation to contact Dorset Police online or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55260048268. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online using its website or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.

OFFICIAL SOURCE VERIFICATION: This article is based on an official press release issued by a Police Force. Document: News Article - Dorset Police Source Link: https://news.dorset.police.uk/news-article/761fe72d-1c33-f111-9d90-6045bdd24049

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