Man dies after being stabbed inside Stourbridge bar Chicago's
A man has died after being stabbed at a bar in Stourbridge town centre.
Police today launched an investigation into the attack at Chicago's bar, in the town's High Street.
The attack happened at around 1am at the well-known nightspot.
A 24-year-old man was taken to hospital with a chest wound but he died from his injury.
He has been named locally as Ryan Passey.
It is understood Mr Passey had played for football club Team Dudley and was an ex-youth player for Stourbridge Football Club.
The club said in a statement: "Everyone at Team Dudley is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player Ryan Passey.
"Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this time. R.I.P."
Stourbridge also tweeted its condolences to the family.
A forensic post-mortem was due to take place today.
Investigations are ongoing and a police cordon remained in place by the Ryemarket Shopping Centre this afternoon.
The high street was closed by police between the Ring Road and Market Street.
Shops inside the cordon were closed while barriers were installed outside the venue.
Forensic teams started their investigations this afternoon.
Interactive map showing scene of stabbing in Stourbridge
People spoke of their shock at the attack and took to social media.
Marie Moreton, aged 37 from Wollescote, who runs a store in Stourbridge, said: "It is a shame for that poor lad and his family. It is shocking to hear about in Stourbridge."
Floral tributes were also laid outside the venue.
Chicago's opened at the site in 2012 in the unit formerly occupied by Que Pasa restaurant and bar.
It had previously been based at the venue which is now home to Chequers Inn at the top of the high street.
In a statement, bosses at Chicago's said: "We're devastated by the events of last night, when a customer tragically lost their life and would like to extend our sincere condolences to family and friends at this very sad time. We're cooperating fully with the police investigation."
A West Midlands Police statement said: "Police are investigating a stabbing that took place in the Chicago’s bar in Stourbridge just before 1am.
"A 24-year-old man was taken to hospital with a chest wound, which unfortunately proved to be fatal."
Detective Chief Inspector Edward Foster added: “I am appealing for anyone with information, or who was present at Chicago’s on the night of Saturday 5 August to call me on 101 ext 963 3202, quoting log 149 of 6 August.”
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
