Dorset Police news site

Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) have been awarded a national investigation award for their tireless pursuit to seek justice for the murder and attempted murder of two women on a beach in Bournemouth in May 2024.

The Investigation of the Year award was presented to Dorset Police MCIT as joint winners on Wednesday 19 November 2025.

It is judged by the Police Federation National Detective Forum and is awarded to officers who have demonstrated an outstanding ability within a particular complex investigation and displayed the highest standards of skill and abilities.

The award relates to the complex investigation into the murder of Amie Gray and attempted murder of Leanne Miles as they were enjoying an evening on the beach. Offender Nasen Saadi, 21 and from Croydon in London, carried out the unprovoked attack and was unknown to the victims.

Following the incident, MCIT, supported by officers across the Force, had to immediately work to identify the suspect. After meticulously looking through CCTV and following other lines of enquiry, there was a breakthrough when CCTV showed Saadi visiting a local convenience store and making a purchase using his bank card, which allowed further financial enquiries to take place, ultimately leading to his arrest.

Following Saadi’s arrest, the team then worked to build the case against him. The case was built on CCTV evidence, supported by witnesses, digital evidence and financial evidence – all obtained through the exhaustive efforts of the investigation team.

As a result of the dedication of MCIT, Nasen Saadi, 21 and from Croydon in London, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 39 years and 65 days.

Chief Constable Amanda Pearson said: “At the heart of every investigation are victims who deserve justice. Our officers and staff are tenacious investigators who do their utmost to identify offenders and secure convictions against them.

“I am proud of the work that was completed by MCIT in this horrendous and challenging case, ensuring they secured justice for Amie and Leanne.

“MCIT are very worthy joint winners of this award, their dedication and the level of investigative skills demonstrated led to taking this dangerous individual and the risk they pose to women and girls off the streets for many years to come.

“Whilst MCIT led the investigation, they were also supported by other officers, staff and volunteers and would not have been able to achieve this outcome without the courage of Leanne Miles, who helped us bring the offender to justice, alongside members of the public – thank you.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “This was a heartbreaking incident which sent shockwaves across our community and my thoughts remain with the family, friends and loved ones of Amie Gray, as well as Leanne Miles.

“I thank all the Dorset Police officers and staff who worked around the clock to ensure the perpetrator was able to be brought to justice. This was a complex and fast-moving investigation, and I am pleased Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team has been recognised for their professionalism and dedication to getting justice.”