Man dies after Walsall boxing match brawl

15 October 2017

News image — Forensic investigations were taking place on Sunday

BBC Forensic investigators — Forensic investigations were taking place on Sunday

A 19-year-old man has died after "large-scale disorder" broke out at a boxing event.

Police have launched a murder inquiry after the brawl at Walsall Town Hall on Saturday, where it is believed the man was stabbed in the neck.

The scene remained cordoned off on Sunday, as police searched for discarded weapons.

The venue was hosting an IBF Youth Lightweight title fight between Luke Paddock and Myron Mills.

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Robert Ellis The room after the disorder — A witness said the scene inside the town hall as violence flared was "like a riot"

Police said violence spilled on to the street at about 23:00 BST.

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Kay Ellis was at the event with her husband Robert and a friend. She said people were searched before entering the venue.

Mrs Ellis, from Netherton, Dudley, said tension had been building between rival supporters during the evening and violence flared between about 50 people when a plastic cup full of liquid was thrown.

"There was food flying and then they were picking up chairs, turning tables over and just ploughing into each other.

"It was horrendous, it was like a riot."

Black Country Boxing said: "Our thoughts are with the victims and we will be liaising fully with the police and venue."

Robert Ellis Walsall Town Hall after the disorder — Chairs were thrown during the disorder

Det Insp Ian Wilkins from West Midlands Police, said: "We have widened our cordon following an initial examination to search for potentially discarded weapons and any other evidence which can lead us to those involved.

Walsall Council, which runs the town hall, tweeted to say it was supporting the police investigation.

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The bout was won by Myron Mills, from Derby, following a split decision.

Writing on Facebook following the disorder, Luke Paddock, from Walsall, said: "It's just a shame about the violence outside the ring at the end of the show."

Robert Ellis Emergency service outside the town hall

Several roads remained closed on Sunday. Walsall Library was shut as it falls within the cordon.

A second event planned for Sunday was cancelled.