Tributes have been paid to a “talented footballer” who was stabbed to death in a nightclub in Birmingham on Boxing Day.
West Midlands Police has confirmed that it has now launched a murder investigation and is appealing for information and witnesses after a man was stabbed to death on the dancefloor of The Crane nightclub in Birmingham on Boxing Day (26 December).
Officers were called to the nightclub on Adderley Street in the Digbeth area of Birmingham just before 11:45pm following reports that the 23-year-old man had been stabbed.
Despite efforts to save him, the man was pronounced dead around 30 minutes later.
The man has now been named as Cody Fisher.
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We’ve launched a murder investigation after a man was stabbed to death on the dancefloor of a Birmingham nightclub.
We were called to The Crane nightclub in Digbeth last night.
Mr Fisher played football for Stratford Town FC – who are in the Southern League Premier Division Central – and he had also played for Bromsgrove Sporting FC.
His family say they are “heartbroken” and have “lost [a] best friend” in a moving tribute paid to him, as shared by Birmingham Police, and added that they are “asking for privacy and respectfulness at this heartbreaking time”.
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Tributes from Mr Fisher’s current and former clubs have also been paid.
Stratford Town FC paid tribute on social media: “Everyone at Stratford Town is saddened to hear of the tragic loss of one of our own players. Our sincere condolences go to the family and friends of Cody and our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.”
The club’s chairman, Jed McCrory, also described Mr Fisher as a “talented footballer” and a “lovely, lovely young man”.
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Bromsgrove Sporting FC say they are also “deeply saddened”, and that “Cody was a friend to many at the club”.
#UPDATE | We can now name the young man who died as Cody Fisher.
His family said tonight: "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." pic.twitter.com/xErz4SvBJ6
West Midlands Police say Mr Fisher’s family are being support by specialist officers.
With a murder investigation now having been launched, and detectives viewing CCTV from the nightclub, the force is urging anyone who was in the area at the time to get in touch with any information that may be able to help.
“This was a young man enjoying himself with friends on a Boxing Day night out and our thoughts are with his friends and family,” said Detective Inspector Michelle Thurgood from West Midlands Police, who is leading the investigation.
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“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 [as] 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 officers gather evidence, and neighbourhood officers will be patrolling the area over the coming days to offer reassurance, West Midlands Police confirmed.
Anyone with information has been asked to get in touch via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website, by quoting log 3792 of 26 December, or alternatively, they can submit information, pictures, or video to the dedicated major incident portal here.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – West Midlands Police
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Nine arrested in multiple coordinated raids after ‘celebrating Hitler’s birthday’ in Oldham pub
Danny Jones
Nine arrests were made earlier this week after a group of suspected neo-Nazis were discovered celebrating Adolf Hitler’s birthday at a pub in Oldham last month.
Alarming stuff, to say the least.
The individuals in question were arrested following a series of coordinated morning raids across multiple areas of Greater Manchester, including Rochdale, Bolton, Trafford and Stockport.
Another man was taken into custody from an address in Southport, with those involved belonging to the North West arm of a far-right group known simply as ‘British Movement’.
Craft Union Pubs, who operate the establishment, said they were “absolutely appalled”. (Credit: Google Maps)
The pub in question was the Duke of Edinburgh in Royton, a town of around 21,000 people located in north Oldham; the owners, who were said to have been ‘tricked’ into allowing the celebrations, were shocked to learn the group were observing Hitler’s birthday.
Upon realising the true nature of the festivities after images were shared on social media, staff immediately reported the party to the local authorities and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers based in and around the borough were then made aware of the situation.
As seen online – including on British Movement Northern’s (BMN) own website – the pub were seen holding Nazi flags, SS bolts and the Iron Cross, even posting pictures eating a cake with swastika icing alongside captions which included the line, “the 136th birthday of Uncle A.”
Taking place on Wednesday morning, 7 May, several morning raids saw those present detained on suspicion of Section 18 Public Order Act offences, which relate to displaying written material which is threatening, abusive or insulting, intended to stir up racial hatred.
During the extensive operation, everything from imitation firearms to real weapons like swords and a crossbow, along with numerous other pieces of Nazi memorabilia were found. Police are still investigating the incident and searching the relevant premises in Oldham and beyond.
Beyond shocking. (Credit: BMN)
GMP have been quick to contact Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) to advise on the materials and assess further risk; for instance, following the recovery of a suspected grenade at a property in Bolton, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) was deployed and the item declared safe.
Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said in an official statement: “Due to the nature of the materials we recovered at the warrants today, we have liaised with colleagues at CTPNW. This is a matter of course, and it very much remains a GMP-led investigation.
“It’s important that all avenues are explored to establish the extent of the criminal offences which have been committed, and whilst our investigation is still in its early stages, we do not believe there to be a risk to the wider public.
“This group clearly has a deep fascination with ideas that we know are unsettling for communities across Greater Manchester. We must take action when concerns are raised, and where weapons are suspected, to ensure people are free to live without fear of intimidation or harm.”
Naturally, GMP are encouraging people to stay vigilant and come forward with any further information or concerns they may have.
Featured Images — British Movement Northern/GMP/Google Maps
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No trams to run on major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend
Emily Sergeant
Travel disruption is expected across the next couple of weeks as ‘essential engineering’ work begins on a major Metrolink line.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed that a reduced service will run on the Bury line this weekend, as work to replace ‘defective’ beams supporting the roof at Whitefield Tunnel means that no trams will run between Crumpsall and Bury on Saturday (10 May), or between Whitefield and Bury on Sunday (11 May).
Some weekend and overnight working is said to be ‘necessary’ to secure and protect the overhead line equipment, so that the beam replacement work can be completed as ‘safely and quickly as possible’, according to TfGM.
A crane is planned to be in use for the beam replacement work at times.
Closures on the line from this weekend come after the successful completion of preparatory work at the site, following the discovery of a defective beam.
No trams will run on a major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend / Credit: TfGM
As well as the suspension on services this weekend, as mentioned above, several other chances throughout this month and into the next on the Bury line are also to be expected.
No tram services will operate between Crumpsall and Bury on Sunday 25 May, and no again from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June, while no trams will run between Whitefield and Bury from Monday 26 to Thursday 29 May.
For the duration of all closures, replacement bus services will run between the affected stops on all the above dates.
Any so-called ‘noisier’ work is set to take place during daytime and evening working hours where possible, and several noise reduction measures – such as acoustic blankets and enclosures – also to be put in place during this.
Essential upgrade work to protect the historic Whitefield Tunnel means no trams will run between Crumpsall–Bury (Sat 10 May) and Whitefield–Bury (Sun 11 May).
We're replacing a defective beam to keep the line safe and reliable.
As always, the Greater Manchester public is being advised to ‘plan ahead’ if they are travelling.
“Whitefield Tunnel dates back to the 19th century,” explained Ian Davies, who is TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, “and this essential work will ensure tram services can continue to safely pass through it for decades to come.
“This is a complex job, but we will do everything we can to minimise disruption to passengers, residents and businesses.”
He added: “I would encourage people who use the Bury line to plan ahead and check the Bee Network website, app, and social media channels for the most up-to-date travel information.”
Emily Sergeant -
28th December 2022 
