Nightclub attack: 4 arrested

FOUR men have been arrested following an attack outside Factory nightclub in Manchester city centre.

Teenage rugby star Joe Sharratt, 18, was reportedly knocked unconscious while his friend Leon Cooper, also 18, was repeatedly punched outside the Princess Street venue in the early hours of Sunday, December 2.

Joe has since been released from hospital and is recovering at home, police said.

The club had its licence suspended by Manchester council pending a full review in the wake of the incident.

A number of bouncers were sacked and the club terminated its contact with an outside security firm.

Now two men – aged 20 and 27 – have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, section 47 and section 20 assault.

Police said two other men, aged 39 and 40, have been detained on suspicion of violent disorder and section 47 assault.

The men all remain in custody for questioning and enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information can call police on 0161 856 3221.