A MAN is to appear before magistrates this morning charged with the murder of a former youth player in Kingsbridge.
Promising Plymouth footballer Alex Peguero Sosa, 17, was injured on Sunday morning following an incident at a taxi rank in the Prince of Wales Road in Kingsbridge.
Two men were arrested following the teenager's death.
Lee Dent, aged 42, of East Portlemouth near Salcombe, was charged with murder, police revealed late tonight.
He was due to appear at Torquay Magistrates' Court tomorrow morning.
The second man, a 22-year-old from Kingsbridge, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and perverting the course of justice, has been released on police bail until July 28 pending further enquiries.
Members of the public gave the teenager cardiopulmonary resuscitation before paramedics arrived.
He was taken to Derriford Hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical staff he was lost his life.
Police yesterday revealed the teen, who had been part of Argyle's youth academy for several years, suffered a fatal wound to his neck caused "by glass, possibly a bottle".
Mr Peguero Sosa, who was released by the club last summer, was a sixth-form student at Kingsbridge Community College.
His father, Alexis, paid tribute to his son in a moving online statement.
He said: "So cruelly some selfish person took the life of my handsome son.
"I love you son with all my heart – forever your heartbroken dad."
Late on Sunday, police arrested the 22-year-old man, also from the Kingsbridge area. He was also taken to Torquay police station, but has since been released on bail.
Kingsbridge Community College principal Roger Pope said the atmosphere at the college yesterday was "very sombre".
He said: "Alex was a much loved and popular member of our college.
"He was sparky and lively, with a great sense of humour. He was a talented footballer and loved sport.
"Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.
"We have counsellors and other adults available to talk to students when needed. Kingsbridge is a very close community and we are working together with the police, the church and other community leaders at this tragic time."
A spokesman for Plymouth Argyle said: "We are very saddened to hear of Alex's death.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as we share their grief."
Investigators say they believe there were a large number of people in the area at the time of the incident and are urging them to come forward.
If you can assist the investigation, call police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting log number 194 of July 6.
