Birmingham nightclub murder victim named
West Midlands Police have named the 23-year-old man who was fatally stabbed on Boxing Day.
Last updated 27th Dec 2022
A 23-year-old man who died after being stabbed on the dancefloor of a nightclub in Birmingham has been named by police as Cody Fisher.
In a statement on Twitter, West Midlands Police also shared a family tribute, which said: "They have broken our hearts; I have lost my best friend. My family and I are asking for privacy and respectfulness at this heart-breaking time."
Police were called to the Crane venue in Adderley Street, Digbeth, just before 11.45pm yesterday (26 December) to reports that someone had been injured.
Mr Fisher had been on a night out with friends when he was approached by a group of people, according to West Midlands Police.
Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead around half an hour after officers were called, the force said.
Detective Inspector Michelle Thurgood, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was a young man enjoying himself with friends on a Boxing Day night out and our thoughts are with his friends and family today.
"We know there were hundreds of people in the nightclub at the time. While we've spoken to a number of them already, we still need to hear from anyone who was there and who witnessed or even filmed what happened.
"We believe that the victim was approached by a group of people, and was then stabbed, so we're working hard to identify all of those involved."
Revellers at the nightclub criticised security searches at the event and described a "moody" atmosphere inside the venue.
The Crane cancelled its New Year's Eve event in light of the incident and said it was working closely with police as they continue to investigate.
A statement posted on the club's Instagram page said: "We are all deeply shocked and saddened that a man lost his life last night as our Boxing Day event came to a close. Our thoughts are with the victim and his family and friends.
"We are working closely with West Midlands Police as they investigate this crime. We encourage anybody who witnessed this incident, or has any information to share which may help West Midlands Police, to contact them directly.
"We do not feel it is right to hold our New Years Eve event under these circumstances. All ticket holders will be contacted directly and refunded by the relevant ticket providers."
Police said hundreds of people were in attendance at the nightclub at the time of the stabbing and urged any witnesses to come forward.
No arrests have yet been made.
The scene remains closed while evidence is gathered and neighbourhood officers will be patrolling the area over the coming days to offer reassurance.