DETECTIVES investigating the death of a Poole Hospital nurse believe the weapon was hidden in the Ringwood area shortly after the killing of 44-year-old Rui Li.

Teams of officers have been combing the area for a specific item in a number of locations.

The search effort is continuing.

Ms Li died of head injuries in May and her body was found in the boot of a car in Bournemouth after a hunt lasting several days.

Dorset Police said: “We can confirm that, as a result of information gained during the investigation into the death of Rui Li, officers are conducting searches in the Ringwood area for items that could be important to the ongoing inquiry.”

Detective Inspector Marcus Hester of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “I can confirm that we are conducting searches in various areas near Ringwood, in relation to the ongoing investigation into the death of Rui Li.

“I will not detail exactly where those searches are taking place at this time but, as always, I do appeal to the public to contact the police if they have any information or knowledge about Rui Li’s death.”

The nurse went missing after leaving work on Friday, May 23.

She was captured on CCTV driving out of the car park at Poole Hospital in her sports car.

Ms Li’s body was found in the boot of a Fiat Punto in Verwood Crescent, Bournemouth, a week later.

An inquest opened and adjourned in Bournemouth heard that she had died as the result of blunt force trauma to the head.

Ms Li’s husband, Pierre Legris, 60, of Burnham Road, Bournemouth, was charged with murder and is currently in custody awaiting trial.

He is also charged with bigamy, alleged to have taken place on June 25, 2007, when he married Ms Li.

Anyone with information is urged to call Dorset Police on 101 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111. Mobile phone tariffs may apply.