Detectives re-investigating the murder of Ryan Passey, who was stabbed to death at a nightclub in Stourbridge in August 2017, have renewed their appeal for help in finding a potential witness.

Ryan was enjoying a night out with friends after playing at a local football match when he was stabbed inside Chicago’s nightclub Ryan, aged 24, was rushed to hospital but sadly passed away soon after. He died of a single stab wound to the chest.

A 19-year-old man was charged with Ryan’s murder but a jury found him not guilty at a trial in February, 2018.

In 2022, West Yorkshire Police agreed to carry out an independent review of West Midlands Police investigation and the trial into Ryan’s tragic death, and presented the force with their findings last year.

West Midlands Police homicide officers have been assessing this review and accepted all 18 recommendations to determine the next steps. There were more than 600 people at Chicago’s on the night, and while a large number came forward, many didn’t.

As part of the review Police identified two men who were seen on CCTV and were outside Chicago's on the night of the attack.

As a result of issuing their images earlier this week, one of the men has been identified and have spoken to. Officers are still trying to identify a second man.

Det Insp Jim Church, leading the re-investigation, 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.”

Ryan’s family said today: “Six years on and we are still here fighting for Justice for Ryan, a fight we hope no other parent and family will ever have to go through.

“Justice for Ryan 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.”

Anyone with information to help the investigation has been asked to get in touch via 101 or Live Chat on West Midlands Police website, quoting log 2313 of 20 July, 2023.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.