The manager of a lap dancing club has spoken out about a stabbing which happened after a row outside.
Cleopatra’s manager Gemma Priestley told the Examiner how the two groups of men arrived at the club separately but door staff refused both entry because of their behaviour.
She said one group was believed to be local and the other from out-of-town and that’s what sparked trouble. There was an “altercation” on the pavement outside the club, in Northumberland Street, at about 4am this morning.
“The door staff did everything right and we called the police but they were already on their way,” she said.
“What happened was nothing to do with the club and we have given the police our CCTV, which is very clear, and we have given statements. I can’t praise the police or the door staff highly enough.
“I am told one of the groups had already kicked off at another venue in the town centre. We’ve been here two years now and we don’t have any trouble. It is upsetting what has happened.”
A man was taken to hospital with stab wounds after the row.
The Examiner understands bladed weapons were drawn and there was a chase through the town centre.
Police were called and a 19-year-old man was found with several puncture wounds to his back outside the former Crown House tax office in Southgate at 3.50am.
He was taken to hospital but his condition was not said to be life-threatening.
Police have arrested another man, also aged 19, on suspicion of violent disorder.
Det Insp Ian Thornes, of Kirklees CID, said detectives were still piecing together what happened and appealed for any witnesses to contact them.
Officers are viewing CCTV from the town centre.
Mr Thornes said: “There was a crowd of 10 to 15 men outside the main entrance to Cleopatra’s Lounge and there was some pushing and shoving on the pavement, which then escalated.
“We are treating this incident as a violent disorder and a man has received several puncture wounds from some kind of sharp bladed weapon.
“The victim was taken to hospital by ambulance but his injuries are not life-threatening.”
Mr Thornes said it was also believed that another man had been struck on the leg by some kind of weapon and was likely to have sustained an injury but it was not known how serious.
“We would like this man to contact us,” he added.
Cleopatra’s, described as a “lap-dancing club and champagne lounge”, opened in the former premises of Casino Red.
On its website it says: “Our girls are inviting you to join us for a night of sheer pleasure in some of the most elegant, stylist and opulent surroundings in Huddersfield and the whole of Yorkshire.”
The club opens six days a week from 10pm until “very, very late most nights.”
Anyone with information should contact Kirklees CID on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
