John Lee Barrett: Eight arrested over Rochdale stabbing

Eight men have been arrested following the death of a man at a Rochdale nightclub early on Christmas Day.

John Lee Barrett, 31, died from a stab wound to his back at Sinclair's Bar.

Police carried out raids at properties in Moston, Moss Side, Fallowfield, Davyhulme, Urmston, Newton Heath, Blackley, Harpurhey, Beswick, Bolton and Hyde on Thursday morning.

The men, all aged between 20 and 30, were arrested on suspicion of murder and violent disorder.

Det Ch Insp Pete Jackson, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "The warrants have been part of a lengthy and complicated investigation.

"Hours of CCTV have been studied and the club has been forensically examined by a team of highly experienced officers.

"However, despite these warrants, the investigation is still ongoing and we are still keen to hear from anyone who was at Sinclair's Bar on the night of the attack.

"We have interviewed a number of people who have helped us piece together what may have happened in the early hours of Christmas Day but I would still urge others who we haven't spoken with to get in touch - your information could be vital."