Witness found after 2017 nightclub murder

Ryan Passey died from a single stab wound to the heart in August 2017

Detectives investigating the murder of a man at a nightclub more than six years ago have spoken to a witness who has come forward for the first time.

It comes after West Midlands Police launched a new inquiry into the killing of Ryan Passey, 24, at Chicago's nightclub in Stourbridge in August 2017.

On Monday, the force said it had identified two new potential witnesses and the force has now confirmed they have spoken to one of the two men.

In 2018, a jury found a 19-year-old man not guilty of the murder or manslaughter of Mr Passey at a trial in February 2018.

West Midlands Police identified two new potential witnesses in their reinvestigation of Ryan Passey's murder

Police have renewed their appeal for the other new witness to come forward.

There were more than 600 people at Chicago’s on the night of Mr Passey's murder, and while a large number came forward, many did not.

Det Insp Jim Church, leading the reinvestigation, said: "I want to be really clear that this man is a potential witness.

"Although we don’t believe he witnessed the stabbing itself he may hold information that is now important to our enquiry.

"Our focus is on Ryan’s family and we will continue to work with them as that investigation progresses."

'Fighting for justice'

Mr Passey's family said that after more than six years, they continued to fight for justice for him.

“We are still here fighting for justice for Ryan, a fight we hope no other parent and family will ever have to go through," they said.

“[We] will continue to work with the new team of detectives at West Midlands Police who are re-investigating Ryan’s murder.

“We urge anyone who has information, or has kept silent thus far, to come forward and speak to the police, so that the real truth and full details of what happened to Ryan can be revealed.”

In 2022, West Yorkshire Police agreed to carry out an independent review of West Midlands Police's investigation and the trial into Mr Passey's death.

The force said their homicide officers had been assessing the review and accepted all of its 18 recommendations to determine the next steps.