Katrina O’Hara: Hairdresser stabbed to death in barber shop in Blandford

A HAIRDRESSER was stabbed to death by a man who stormed into her salon as she closed for the night.

Mum-of-three Katrina O’Hara, 44, was knifed in the chest after the killer chased a male colleague out of the premises.

A 49-year-old man who is known to the woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He suffered a wrist injury and is being treated in hospital.

A hunt is under way for the murder weapon. Detective Inspector Mark Samuel urged locals to keep a look-out for a discarded knife or sharp object.

Inspector Rob Chalkley, of North Dorset Police, said: “This is a tragic incident which has deeply saddened and shocked the community.

“I am confident we have the best expert team carrying out this investigation and the suspect was arrested shortly after the discovery of the body.”

A heightened police presence will continue at the scene, where a cordon remains in place near the shop, while crime scene investigators carry out examinations.

It was announced later that a referral has been made to the police watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), due to Dorset Police’s “recent prior contact with people involved in this incident”.

Bertha R. Massie