Man who died in Boxing Day nightclub stabbing in Birmingham named as probe continues

The victim of a stabbing on the dancefloor of a nightclub in Birmingham on Boxing Day has been named, as his family paid tribute to their “best friend”.

Cody Fisher, 23, was attacked at the Crane in Adderley Street, Digbeth, just before 11.45pm according to West Midlands Police.

Mr Fisher, who played football for Bromsgrove Sporting, had been on a night out with friends when he was approached by a group of people and stabbed.

A statement shared by the police and attributed to the victim’s family 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.”

Despite efforts to save Mr Fisher, he was pronounced dead around half an hour after officers were called to the scene.

Police at Crane nightclub in Birmingham on Tuesday. West Midlands Police

Bromsgrove Sporting described Mr Fisher as “a friend to many” at the club and sent its deepest condolences to his family in a statement posted on social media.

It said: “All of us at Bromsgrove Sporting Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Cody Fisher.

“Cody was a friend to many at the club and we send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

The Crane nightclub 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.

Revellers at the nightclub criticised security searches at the event and recalled a “moody” atmosphere inside the venue, according to the PA News Agency.

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.

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.”

The scene remains closed while evidence is gathered and neighbourhood officers will be patrolling the area over the coming days to offer reassurance.