Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murdering 23-year-old Cody Fisher, who was stabbed to death on a nightclub dancefloor on Boxing Day.
Mr Fisher, a footballer and school sports coach, was killed while partying with friends at Crane Birmingham at around 11.45pm on Boxing Day.
A 22-year-old man was held at an address in Birmingham city center just after midnight, West Midlands Police said, and a second man aged 21 was arrested in London. The two men, who have not been named, are being questioned by police officers.
The arrests come after Woodrow First School and Nursery in Redditch, where Mr Fisher worked, paid tribute to his “friendly and talented” sports coach.
The school said he was “loved and admired” by his pupils, describing his death as “tragic and needless”.
“Everyone is devastated to hear of the tragic and needless death of this friendly and talented young man,” a statement from the school read. “Many of the children know Cody as their sports coach and love and admire him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. May he rest in peace.”
Mr Fisher’s girlfriend, Jess Chatwin, also posted an emotional tribute to him on social media.
“You didn’t deserve any of this. I’m so sorry this has happened to you my baby please come home. I love you forever Cody Fisher,” she posted, Sky News reported.
She also wrote in her Instagram bio: “Love you forever my code”.
Tributes have been left at Crane nightclub in Birmingham, where the young footballer was stabbed to death (Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty)
It followed a brief statement issued by Mr Fisher’s family, saying: “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.”
As well as his coaching work, Mr Fisher also played football for clubs including Stratford Town FC, where its chairman, Jed McCrory, said players were “heartbroken” at the loss of their teammate.
“We’re a family club. It’s going to be a hard one to take this, for everyone at this club. He was so well liked,” he told Sky News. Welling up as he spoke, Mr McCrory said that the club would do “anything they could to help” Mr Fisher’s grieving family.
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Fellow players took to social media to pay tribute to Mr Fisher, with Stratford goalkeeper Liam O’Brien saying: “RIP Cody. Can’t believe it.”
Friend Jordan Goddard said he felt “absolutely empty” at his friend’s death, remembering his “good energy” and constant smile.
“Couldn’t wish to meet a nicer human being always smiling always good energy. I will miss you forever my brother,” he tweeted, with a photograph of Mr Fisher smiling. “Love you to pieces.”
Nearby club Bromsgrove Sporting FC 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.”
Anyone with information or who was in the area at the time has been urged to get in touch with West Midlands Police via Live Chat, quoting log 3792 of 26 December.
Alternatively, people wishing to come forward anonymously can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
