Nightclub licence suspended after Boxing Day stabbing

A Birmingham nightclub has had its licence suspended following a fatal stabbing on Boxing Day.

Cody Fisher, 26, died after being attacked on the dancefloor at the Crane nightclub in Digbeth.

West Midlands Police said there had been "serious management failings" at the premises and officers arrived to a scene of "chaos" with staff asking for help with crowd control.

Documents submitted by police to Birmingham City Council's licensing sub-committee claimed there had been "inadequate security measures" and "evidence of drug use" at the club.

One sergeant's account said that "oblivious" staff were "wandering around all over the place" and had started to clean up the crime scene before officers "shouted at them to stop".

Duncan Craig, representing the nightclub's licence-holder Digital Arts Media Ltd, said the company would not oppose the licence suspension in the "horrific circumstances".

He added: "There are one or two issues my client takes with some of the matters that were asserted in the review application.

"And it's hoped that that 28-day period will also provide an opportunity to develop a better understanding of what happened on that dreadful night."

A full hearing to review the licence will take place on 24 January.

Two men have been charged with the murder of Fisher and appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court on 2 January.

Kami Carpenter, 21, and Remy Gordon, 22, were charged with murder and affray.

A 22-year-old man also arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail while police enquiries continue.

Detective chief inspector Ian Ingram, from West Midlands Police's homicide unit, said: "This is a significant development in our investigation as we seek to get justice for Cody, his family and friends.

"We've received fantastic support from the public who've really helped us in our enquiries so far.

"However, we're still really keen to hear from anyone with information who has not already spoken to us. Every piece of information helps our investigation."

Crane Birmingham told ITV that it employed "extensive and professional security procedures for all public events" and contracted security staff were licensed by the Security Industry Authority.

A statement on the club's website said the company was "deeply shocked and saddened" by the incident.

The statement added: "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."