Rising rugby star victim of attack outside Manchester nightclub
Joe Sharratt, 18, is an Academy player for St Helens RFC.
An 18-year-old rising rugby star has been left with serious head injuries following a violent brawl outside a nightclub in Manchester city centre.
Footage of the incident, outside Factory MCR, has been circulated on social media and shows a number of men in high-vis jackets beating two men on Princess Street in the early hours of Sunday (2nd December).
Joe Sharratt, who plays for St Helens RFC academy side, was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.
The incident happened just hours after he'd been representing Lancashire Schoolboys against Australian Schoolboys.
A spokesman for St Helens RFC said: "Joe suffered serious head injuries and has been hospitalized.
"Joe is of impeccable character and is an upstanding member of our Academy system. He represented Lancashire Schoolboys against Australian Schoolboys with distinction on Saturday and was hoping to represent England next weekend.
"We understand GM Police are investigating the matter and therefore we cannot make any further comment at this time.
"He is a top academic achiever with a very bright future ahead of him alongside his rugby league prowess.
"Our welfare team are now in contact with Joe’s family and we will offer any assistance we can at this distressing time.
"Understandably, our thoughts are now with Joe and his family."
Police are now appealing for anyone with video footage of the incident to get in touch.
Chief Inspector Cherie Buttle of GMP’s City of Manchester Division, said: “We’re aware that there are a number of videos circulating on social media and I cannot stress how important it is that those with footage make contact with us.
“With a mobile phone at everyone’s fingertips, filming something is often the first thing people think to do but please, pass this onto us to so we can fully investigate this matter.
“While it was early in the morning, this happened on a busy street so there may have been people who have seen something but have not yet been in touch with us.
“You can talk directly to our investigation team or pass on any information through Crimestoppers.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 3221 quoting reference number 396 of 02/12/18 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.