Police have issued CCTV images of five men they want to speak with in connection with a mass brawl at a nightclub.
The violence at Cirque Le Soir in Manchester city centre in September was described by a police officer at a subsequent licensing hearing as 'some of the worst disorder linked to a licensed premises I have seen'.
The Manchester Evening News reported the club on Queen Street, off Deansgate, was temporarily ordered to close by the council in the wake of the brawl.
READ MORE:
But the licensing committee agreed to allow it to reopen with additional conditions to improve safety, saying the incident was a 'one off'.
Tables can cost up to £2,000 at the venue, which was formerly the Press Club.
The licensing review hearing was told a man was knocked unconscious inside the premises and security staff chased clubbers outside using metal barrier poles and ropes as weapons.
Police have now issued CCTV images of five men wanted for questioning.
Anyone recognising them is being asked to come forward.
Greater Manchester Police said fighting broke out inside and spilled out onto the street.
In a statement, the force said: "Officers were called just before 3.40am on Sunday, September 19 2021 to reports a group of males were fighting at Cirque Manchester, Queen Street.
"One man was treated in hospital for a head injury."
The violence began after customers on two separate tables in the club’s VIP area began fighting, the licensing hearing held in October was told.
They were moved to the main bar area by door staff, but continued to fight and throw bar furniture within the club.
CCTV from inside Cirque Le Soir shown during the meeting shows dozens of men fighting as security staff and women dressed in lingerie attempt to pull them apart.
Vehicles outside, it was said, were damaged indiscriminately and the incident lasted around 50 minutes.
PC Christine McIntosh, of GMP's City of Manchester district, said: "Fighting occurred inside the premises and continued onto the street where barrier poles were used as weapons.
"We have identified a number of men would like to speak to in connection with the incident.
"We are keen to speak to anyone who may know these men or were in the area at the time."
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 3221 quoting incident 601-190921.
Information can also be reported online or by using the Live Chat function at www.gmp.police.uk.
If you can't report online, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
