02 May 2023 , 21:47
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A man has been charged with murder after a "gentle giant" rugby player was stabbed to death during a "serious altercation" near a nightclub in Cornwall.
Michael Allen, 32, died and seven others suffered stab wounds during the incident close to the Eclipse nightclub in Bodmin on Sunday.
Jake Hill, 24, of Jubilee Terrace, Bodmin, has been charged with one count of murder, three counts of attempted murder and two counts of Section 18 causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
He will appear before Truro Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, Devon and Cornwall Police said.
Michael Allen was a popular rugby player for his local team (Facebook)Officers were called at 3.15am on Sunday to the area of Victoria Square in Castle Canyke Road after reports of a person with a knife and multiple people with suspected stab wounds.
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One person remains in hospital after undergoing surgery and six have been discharged.
Mr Allen's family, in a statement issued by Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "Mike was simply a much-loved son, brother, grandson and uncle, who loved his dogs.
"His family would like to respectfully request privacy at this time."
Forensics at the scene of a murder and stabbings in Cornwall (Ryan Jenkinson / Story Picture Agency)Pals paid tribute to Michael, known as Mike, online. The popular rugby player was described as someone who "made everyone laugh".
They wrote online: "Gentle giant you were an amazing and loving guy. you never said a bad word about anyone RIP Big Mike."
A second wrote: "Shocking news thoughts go to his family and all that know Mike RIP mate. we had some class times together I won’t ever forget!
"You never failed to make everyone laugh and always helped anyone out whenever you could.
Michael was known as 'Mike' by pals (Facebook)"Thanks for all the laughs and awesome memories you will be missed by all."
Another added: "Rip Mike one of the nicest guys around can’t believe it so sorry to all his friends and family gutted rest easy Mike xx."
Anyone with any information is asked to report it to Devon and Cornwall Police on the Major Incident Public Reporting site, under Operation Limbas.
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