DETECTIVES investigating the death of nurse Rui Li have charged her husband with her murder.

Pierre Legris, 60, is due to appear before Bournemouth magistrates today.

The body of Rui Li, a 44-year-old nurse at Poole Hospital, was found in the boot of a Fiat Punto in Verwood Crescent, Bournemouth, on Friday night, May 30.

She was reported missing on Tuesday, May 27 and was last seen leaving work at 6.17pm on Friday, May 23.

Formal identification of the body has not yet taken place.

Detective Inspector Marcus Hester, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the charge of murder. Family liaison officers have updated Rui’s daughter with these developments – clearly, this is a difficult time for her as she tries to come to terms with the loss of her mother.”

He added: “This latest development does not mean we do not want to hear from the public if they have any information that could help with the investigation. In particular we would like anyone with information about the movements of two vehicles – a silver Fiat Punto with registration plate W887 PDL and a large white Ford Transit van with registration plate Y491 GFT – between Saturday, May 24 and Wednesday, May 28 to contact police.”

A 26-year-old man from Bournemouth, who was also arrested, remains in custody.

Detectives have been granted additional time to question him.

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police on 101.