Man knifed on Christmas Day dies in hospital

John Lee Barrett, 31, from Harpurhey, Manchester, was knifed during a private function at Sinclair’s Bar, a nightclub in Rochdale, police said.

Greater Manchester Police were called to a large disturbance on Drake Street, at about 2.40am on Sunday.

The club’s security staff had already tried to throw out a number of people.

Mr Barrett was found with stab wounds and was taken to hospital where he died earlier yesterday, police said.

A post-mortem examination is due to take place and police are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Chief Superintendent John O’Hare said some of those ejected from the venue may have vital information about the incident.

He said: “It is incredibly sad that someone has been killed during a night out and our thoughts are with John’s family and friends.”