Man stabbed to death in nightclub brawl

A party-goer was stabbed to death after a brawl between revellers at a Wolverhampton nightclub.

Tom Kirwan was knifed outside the Uberra Club, off Wednesfield Road, off Wednesfield Road, after a brawl spilled from the venue out on to the street.

The busy Wednesfield Road remained closed to traffic this afternoon as police scoured the area to find the murder weapon or clues that could lead them to the 23-year-old's killer.

Detectives revealed that in the early hours of yesterday morning they had been alerted to "a serious disturbance" at the venue – the former Canal Club.

They arrived at the scene along with paramedics to find Mr Kirwan with serious injuries.

He was taken to New Cross Hospital at about 5am yesterday but died.

Police today said there had been a fight inside the club, next to the Broad Street canal basin, which had led to a number of people being ejected by security, shortly before Mr Kirwan was stabbed.

They said "several" other people were also injured during the fight outside the club but their injuries were not serious.

Officers have closed off Wednesfield Road while they continue with a forensic search of the area around the nightclub, based in the former British Waterways depot.

Motorists have been stopped from using Wednesfield Road and buses diverted along Springfield Road and Cannock Road while police continue their investigations into their murder, causing traffic to back up in the city centre. Friends of former St Edmund's Catholic School pupil Mr Kirwan have been laying floral tributes on railings near to the scene bearing messages of condolence.

Ryan Grandison, aged 18, from Deansfield, was with Mr Kirwan, a hot rolling processor at Bridgnorth Aluminium, at the club shortly before he was killed.

He said: "He was such a loving and respectful gentleman. He was a massive Wolves fan. We're all going to miss him.

"I didn't see what happened on the night. I was coming out of the club and the police were already there putting up police tape. When I found out what happened I couldn't believe it. Whoever did this needs to be caught."

Up to 60 of Mr Kirwan's friends spent yesterday in and around the city centre paying tribute to Mr Kirwan, with some having their Wolves shirts covered with the message "RIP Tom".

Investigating officer Det Insp Warren Hines today revealed officers were following up some "significant" lines of inquiry.

"We need to speak to anyone who was at the location who may have vital information that could help us piece together the events of the evening," he said.

"Those people may hold vital information that could help our inquiry.

"I would urge anyone who was at the club to contact the police immediately."

Police said Mr Kirwan had recently bought his first house and was due to get married next year.

Shrewsbury Town defender Connor Goldson, who is from Wolverhampton, wrote on Twitter: "RIP Tom Kirwan, a friend who I grew up with.

"Thoughts and condolences are with his family."