Chris Cleave shot dead in Mexico

Friends and loved ones have described a dad from Cornwall who was gunned down in Mexico as an "absolute gentleman".

Chris Cleave, a 54-year-old who had moved to Mexico more than 10 years ago, was tragically shot dead in the street while driving with his 14-year-old daughter on Saturday morning.

The popular businessman, who was working as a real estate agent in Cancun, had lived in Truro and attended Penair School, graduating in 1986.

The DailyMail reported that Mr Cleave was targeted by two men on a motorcycle while driving through Playa del Carmen, in a red Audi. It was reported that the gunmen opened fire through the driver's side window of the vehicle Mr Cleave was travelling in and fled on the motorbike.

Heartfelt tributes have been posted on social media, with many friends and loved ones sharing their fond memories of Mr Cleave and sending their deepest sympathies to Mr Cleave's daughter, who had recently celebrated her birthday with her dad.

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Almost 100 posts have been shared to the father's page, with many saying he was the "highlight" of their trips to Playa del Carmen.

Stine Gjelstrup told how Chris had helped her "find her place in Cancun", by taking her "under his wing".

She said: "My heart is broken. So so shocked. How can the world be so cruel….. I struggled finding my place in Cancun almost 20 years ago. Felt like the place tried to screw me over - and there you were!!

"Thank you for taking me under your wings. For all the fun at work - for all the fun off work. For all the great memories I still often quote you - 'because I can'. Even my husband, who never met you, uses one of your lines all the time.

"It is from one of our many nights out. You standing at a table dancing and looking a bit surprised while shouting, 'look at me, I’m dancing - I'm really dancing'. Now you will be dancing in the skies. What fun they will have - just way way too early!! I keep a special place in my heart for you.

"Sending thoughts and love to your friends, family and beautiful daughter."

Kristen described Chris as a "butterfly".

She said: "Shocked, sickened and gutted from this horrible horrible news. You were the highlight of my trips to Playa and I will miss my you, my friend. It was a privilege to have known you.

My deepest condolences to your family and your dearest sweet Chloe. Sir Cleave, in a room full of moths you were a butterfly. Rest In Peace."