The family of a teen who died from stab wounds have launched a campaign for 'justice' after the case against a murder suspect was dropped over lack of evidence.

Loved ones of Lucas Underwood, 18, said they were devastated after the charges brought against a 17-year-old suspect were 'discontinued' ahead of any trial.

The Crown Prosecution Service said there was 'no longer a realistic prospect of conviction' a decision that has prompted Lucas' family to launch a bid to "get justice".

The 17-year-old former suspect, who can't be named for legal reasons, was initially accused of murdering Lucas Underwood in the early hours of Sunday July 23.

Police were called to a property on Wallace Road, Bodmin, Cornwall, following reports of an 'altercation' that had left one man with a serious injury.

Lucas, of Bodmin, was taken to hospital by a member of the public, but later died of his injuries in the car park.

In a statement, Devon and Cornwall Police said: "Following the death of Lucas Clive David Underwood, 18, in the early hours of Sunday 23 July 2023, a 17-year-old male from Bodmin was charged with murder and remanded in custody.

"After lengthy consultation with the CPS, they have decided not to proceed with the prosecution and the 17-year-old has been released.

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

But writing on a GoFundMe page, the family expressed their anger at the decision.

Under the banner #JusticeforLucas they said they are trying to raise £40k to "get justice for our boy".

They wrote: "Our very own Peter Pan!!

"Lucas was 18 he had his whole life ahead of him. At his funeral over 400 people attended, he had a massive impact in so many peoples lives.

"While trying to get our heads around the fact that Lucas was taken from us so brutally, 10 weeks later, we have the news that the (suspect) walks free without a single charge.

"Since the charges have all been dropped us as a family have just been left, while it was a murder investigation we was offered counselling even that has been taken from us now.

"We need to bring (a person) to justice not only for Lucas and us as a family but for the community and to try help tackle knife crime.

"Our solicitors can help but at a massive cost, we are mortified to ask but without your help we couldn’t do this! Please help us bring a proper investigation for Lucas!!"

The teenage suspect was initially charged with murder and remanded in to custody. He pleaded not guilty when he appeared in court and was freed last month.

In a statement, the Crown Prosecution Service said: "Following careful review of all the available evidence, we stopped proceedings as there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. We understand how difficult this decision will be for the family of Mr Underwood and our thoughts are with them at this time."

Devon and Cornwall Police said three others arrested after the incident for other offences remain on bail.

A spokesperson added: "An 18-year-old man from Bodmin was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, a 27-year-old man from Redruth was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and perverting the course of justice, and an 18-year-old man, also from Redruth was arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and assisting an offender.

"All three men remain on police bail and the investigation is ongoing."