SEVEN MEN have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the ‘abhorrent’ fatal stabbing of a teenager in the early hours of Mother’s Day at a Coventry nightclub.
The authorities were called to Society nightclub in Tower Street just before 2am on Sunday, March 15 in response to reports of disorder inside the venue.
The 18-year-old victim, Daniel Kirkwood, was found outside the club with a stab wound to the neck and, despite the best efforts of ambulance staff, was later pronounced dead in hospital.
Another 18-year-old man was treated for a stab wound to the back and chest, while a 17-year-old lad was slashed across the arm with a knife.
Two women who were also injured in the incident, one with foot injuries and the other suffering leg injuries, were transported to hospital alongside the men for further treatment with none of their injuries expected to be life-threatening.
In a statement from Society nightclub, a spokesperson said they were ‘absolutely devastated’ by the incident and offered their ‘sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers’ to the victim’s family.
They added: “We always take every possible measure in place when planning any event at the club and have worked closely with the authorities, security teams and have tried to make the club a place for people of Coventry to enjoy and safety has always been of the highest priority.
“It is with regret that after this incident we will be closing the club with immediate effect until further notice.
“For several years we have tried to put on the best events we can to move the city forward.
“We currently feel that we can no longer invest our time, energy and monies into a community where abhorrent acts such as this have taken place.”
Four men, aged between 19 and 28, were arrested from a car travelling in Leicestershire at around 5am on Sunday on suspicion of murder, while further three men, aged 18, 22 and 24, were arrested in in Birmingham this morning (March 16).
The seven arrested men are currently being held at in police custody at stations in Birmingham and Coventry, while police continue to appeal for information.
Detective Chief Inspector Sam Ridding, from West Midlands Police Homicide Team, said: “A young man has tragically lost his life while enjoying a night out at a club with friends.
“We are investigating what led up to the attack and why anyone would want to kill Daniel.
“As part of our enquiries we want to hear from anyone who was at the Society club on Saturday night, or who was in the area and may have seen something.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives in the Homicide Team at Harborne police station on the 101 number, or they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
