A man has died and seven others have been injured following a “serious altercation” outside a nightclub in Cornwall.
Devon and Cornwall Police were called at 3.15am on April 30 to the area of Victoria Square on Castle Canyke Road following reports of a person with a knife and multiple people with suspected stab wounds.
A 24-year-old man from Bodmin, south west England, has been arrested on suspicion of murder, attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
A 32-year-old man, named by locals as Michael ‘Mike’ Allen and was a former rugby player, was declared dead at the scene and his next of kin has been informed.
Seven other men and women have been injured and were taken to hospital; five have since been released, with two people remaining in hospital as they recovery from surgery following the attack.
Leigh Frost, Cornwall councillor for Bodmin St Petroc, said: “I am shocked and devastated at the news coming out. Firstly, my thoughts are with the victims, their families, and anyone who has suffered from this tragic event. We are a strong community and we will support each other through this.
“I will make it absolutely clear knife crime is unacceptable, and we will not tolerate it here in Bodmin. I’d like to praise the emergency services for their quick actions in responding to this incident, and to urge everyone to let the police conduct their investigation, and if you have any helpful information, please come forward.”
East Cornwall Local Policing Superintendent, Rob Youngman, added: “This investigation is in its early stages and the public can expect to see a heightened policing presence around Bodmin today whilst enquiries are ongoing. Understandably, this incident will have an impact on the local community, and our thoughts are with the families of the victims. Cordons will stay in place today whilst officers gather information and evidence from the scene.
“Anyone who has not yet been spoken to by officers and has any information which may assist our investigation, please get in touch. This could include any relevant dash-cam, doorbell and CCTV footage from the area of Victoria Square and along Castle Canyke Road.”
