Two arrests after Cody Fisher, 23, stabbed in Birmingham nightclub

Tributes have been paid to 23-year-old Cody Fisher who was stabbed to death at a nightclub in Birmingham on boxing day, as Andy Bevan reports.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of the murder of footballer Cody Fisher, who was stabbed to death at a nightclub in Birmingham on Boxing Day.

A 22-year-old was arrested in Birmingham city centre just after midnight, and a second man, aged 21, was arrested in London.

Cody Fisher was stabbed on the dance floor of the Crane nightclub on Adderley Street in Digbeth just before midnight on Boxing Day, and died at the scene.

In a statement, police praised public support, saying that they were "making good progress in our investigation and are building a better picture of what happened.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Ingram, from West Midlands Police, said: "We’ve been really pleased with the response from the public and have already had a number of witness accounts and images sent through, which will help with our investigation.

"It’s vital that we hear from everybody who saw any part of what happened that night – no matter how insignificant they think it might be.

"Cody’s family and friends are devastated by what happened, and we’ll continue to work to bring them answers."

A statement 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.

Revellers at the nightclub criticised security searches at the event and recalled a "moody" atmosphere inside the venue.

Bromsgrove Sporting, who Mr Fisher played football for, described him 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 later cancelled its planned New Years Eve celebrations and 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."