Calls for investigation into Birmingham nightclub security following fatal stabbing
Security searches at Crane in Digbeth have been criticised.
Last updated 29th Dec 2022
There are calls for an investigation into whether security measures at a Birmingham nightclub were "robust enough" following the fatal stabbing of a 23-year-old man.
Semi-professional footballer Cody Fisher was attacked in the Crane venue in Adderley Street, Digbeth whilst on a night out with friends on Boxing Day.
Revellers at the nightclub criticised security searches at the event and recalled a "moody" atmosphere inside the venue.
An 18-year-old man from Wolverhampton, who did not want to be named, said the incident was a "disaster waiting to happen".
He said of the security searches: "Me and the friend I was with, not once did we get asked to clear our pockets out even though mine were full. I had cargo trousers on with pockets full.
"They didn't even touch me whilst searching me, they just followed the outline of my body with their hands then tapped me to say go on through.
"Obviously you want everyone to have a good time and enjoy themselves (but) when we got in I said to my friend: 'That's the worst search I've ever seen'. Anyone could have brought anything in."
Lawrence Barton, Night-Time Economy Champion for Birmingham, said questions need to be asked about what measures were in place on the night: "We've got to look at what security measures were taken and what procedures that club had.
"It's going to have to be done in a factual way, to establish exactly what the processes were and whether people were checked. Whether they for example, have a knife arch or not. Whether they have physical searches.
"And it's knowing the facts behind that which are crucial to establishing whether to security processes were robust enough.
"There are many examples and instances where you have all of the processes and procedures in place and they are somehow broken, those rules are broken by people.
"I think before anyone makes any assumptions about what the club did or didn't do, that needs to be placed under investigation."
In response to suggestions that security on the night was inadequate, a statement by the Crane nightclub said: "We have a thorough search policy in place for any and all patrons entering and leaving the venue. This includes the deployment of metal detectors, pat downs, pocket checks, wallet inspections, bag searches and age verification procedures.
"Searches are conducted in accordance with SIA (Security Industry Authority) guidance and best practice. The venue is patrolled by SIA security staff whom responded to the incident as it unfolded on the night.
"The relevant CCTV footage is with West Midlands Police and we are working closely with any requests to assist them with their inquiries.
"On Boxing Day we had an onsite paramedic led team as per our venue policy, who arrived at the scene quickly to administer first aid to the victim until the arrival of the Ambulance Service."
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of Cody's murder. West Midlands Police said a 22-year-old was held at an address in Birmingham city centre, while a second man aged 21 was arrested in London.
DCI Ian Ingram, from our Homicide team, said: “We’re making good progress in our investigation and are building a better picture of what happened.
“We’ve been really pleased with the response from the public and have already had a number of witness accounts and images sent through, which will help with our investigation.
“It’s vital that we hear from everybody who saw any part of what happened that night – no matter how insignificant they think it might be.
“Cody’s family and friends are devastated by what happened, and we’ll continue to work to bring them answers.”