A man has been charged with murdering a father-of-two who died outside a cocktail bar in a seaside resort.
Police were called to reports of an assault outside MyBar in Bournemouth at around 3am on Easter Monday.
James Blanch, 41, from Christchurch, Dorset, was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Rico Wilson, a 35-year-old British national from Bournemouth, has been charged with murder and is due to appear at Poole Magistrates’ Court later today.
Mr Blanch’s family described him as a doting family man who ‘did everything for his children’.
In a heartfelt tribute, they said: ‘Our lovely James was sadly taken away from us. He was the most incredible, lovable human that lit up any room with his massive smile.
‘He was not just my husband but an incredible father to our two beautiful children who are heartbroken beyond belief.’
James Blanch, 41, from Christchurch in Dorset, was killed in a brutal attack outside a cocktail bar
The bar was cordoned off and a 35-year-old man has been charged with murder
Police were called to reports of an assault outside MyBar on Charminster Road at around 3am on Easter Monday
They added: ‘My James was an amazing husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. He was the most loyal person who would do anything for anyone.
‘James would just make everything better and always tell you that ‘it’s going to be alright’.
‘Everything he did was for his two children who he loved more than anything in the world. I am forever grateful for our 18 years together and I will continue to make you proud with our two children.
‘We are all utterly heartbroken and nothing will ever feel the same again.’
Three other men, two aged 37 and 46 from Bournemouth and a 34-year-old from Poole, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and released under investigation.
A 39-year-old man from Bournemouth, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released by police on bail pending further inquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Nicky Jenkins said: ‘Following a detailed investigation, we have liaised with the Crown Prosecution Service and it has authorised a charge of murder.
‘We have continued to keep the family of James Blanch fully updated with the progress of our investigation.
‘This matter will now be the subject of active court proceedings and it is vital that the judicial process is allowed to follow its course.
‘We would urge members of the public to refrain from any commentary, particularly online and on social media, that could potentially prejudice these proceedings.’
