A DUDLEY man has been charged with murder following a stabbing at a Stourbridge nightspot which left 24-year-old footballer Ryan Passey dead.

Kobe Murray, from The Broadway, has been remanded in custody following an appearance at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning.

The 19-year-old, who is due to appear at Birmingham Crown Court tomorrow (Thursday, August 10) is alleged to have stabbed Mr Passey (pictured above) in the chest in Chicago’s in The Ryemarket in the early hours of Sunday morning (August 6).

Two other men, aged 19, who were arrested on Sunday, have been released without charge.

Police, however, are still appealing for any witnesses who have not yet come forward to get in touch.

Detective Chief Inspector Edward Foster, from the Homicide Team, said “any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could prove crucial to the enquiry” and he added: “The family of Ryan are being kept informed of the latest development in our investigation and our thoughts remain with them."

Floral tributes and football club scarves have been mounting up outside the venue in Stourbridge High Street where Mr Passey was attacked.

Stourbridge News:

The popular centre midfielder, of Stockwell Avenue, Quarry Bank, who had played for a number of borough clubs, died later in hospital.

Family, friends and footballing colleagues have been left devastated by the tragedy which has left Stourbridge in shock.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call West Midlands Police’s Homicide Team on the 101 number quoting log 149 of 6 August or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.