Teenager on Bodmin murder charge is released

Lucas Underwood died after an altercation at a property in Bodmin

A 17-year-old boy charged with murdering a teenager after an altercation in Bodmin, Cornwall, has been released and the charge dropped, say police.

The boy, from Bodmin, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been charged with murdering Lucas Underwood, 18, early on Sunday 23 July.

Devon and Cornwall Police said after "lengthy consultation" with prosecutors, the Crown Prosecution Service had "decided not to proceed with the prosecution and the 17-year-old has been released".

The force said: "The victim’s family and witnesses have been updated of this decision and continued support remains in place."

Mr Underwood suffered a serious injury and died in a hospital car park a short time after the incident at a property on Wallace Road in Bodmin, police said.

The former defendant had previously entered a not guilty plea during an appearance at Exeter Crown Court in August.

The court heard three other people had been arrested in connection with the case and were on police bail until October.