Celebhaunt nightclub Toy Box closed after New Year’s Day stabbing in Manchester

Celebrity haunt nightclub Toy Box has been temporarily closed down – after a New Year’s Day stabbing outside the premises in Manchester.

Police were called to an incident on Queen Street in the city centre in the early hours of 1st January to reports of a stabbing outside Toy Box, which is based inside the famed former Press Club.

A man in his 20s remains in hospital with stab wounds which are not believed to be life-threatening, and police say enquiries are ongoing.

At the request of the licensing authorities, Toy Box has been closed since the incident.

The basement venue launched in August with a glitzy VIP opening party, and has since been frequented by a host of Coronation Street stars and reality TV favourites.

It is owned by the team behind London’s Toy Room club, and has a risqué theme juxtaposing the innocence of childhood with naughty imagery and cheekily-titled cocktails.

A spokeswoman for the club said: “Since opening in August last year Toy Box has built up an unrivalled reputation for excellence in the Manchester club scene.

“In that time we have had no problems of any kind either inside or immediately outside Toy Box.

“Due to an incident near the club on Manchester’s busiest road, Deansgate, we have been asked to remain closed by the licensing authorities while they carry out their investigation.

“We always strive to cooperate fully with the authorities and despite the incident didn’t take place inside the club we will do everything we can to assist.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal Toy Box regulars for their continued fantastic support.”

The venue is closed while Manchester Council review Toy Box’s premises licence, although club bosses are hopeful they will be allowed to reopen by the end of January.

A statement from Greater Manchester Police said: “Police were called shortly before 4am on January 1 2019 to a report of a stabbing outside a premises on Queen Street, Manchester.

“The victim, a man in his 20s, became involved in a dispute with an unknown man, before the unknown man assaulted and stabbed him.

“He was taken to hospital, where he remains with stab wounds which are not believed to be life threatening. Enquiries ongoing.

“Anyone with information on the incident should call police on 101 quoting incident number 981 of 01/01/19 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

Toy Box’s licence will be reviewed at a meeting on January 25th, Manchester Council confirmed.

Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Following serious incidents which took place at Toy Box on New Year’s Day, Greater Manchester Police made an application to the council for a summary licensing review to take place.

“Following that review, The Licensing Committee made a decision to suspend Toybox’s licence pending a full review meeting which will take on 25 January.”