THE town’s top cop has moved to reassure late night pub and club goers that Stourbridge is a safe place to party after last weekend’s stabbing.

Five men were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after violence flared outside The Arena Stourbridge nightspot in Hagley Road in the early hours of last Sunday (June 23).

A 34-year-old was taken to hospital with a stab wound and two other men were also injured and received hospital treatment.

Inspector Dez Lambert said the incident, which happened at 3.23am, appeared to be a “one-off” but a police investigation continues.

He added: “It’s a busy night-time economy in Stourbridge but the vast majority of evenings are incident free.

“We’re there just in case and I’m glad we were there last Sunday.

“It highlights why we police the town centre as there’s always that risk that something will happen.

“We work with the health service, the street pastors, neighbourhood teams, licensing officer and licensed premises to make it a safe night out for everybody.

“Every now and again there will be an incident and people will get hurt but violent crime has reduced across the West Midlands and Stourbridge is no exception.”

Paul Morrison, owner of The Arena Stourbridge (formerly The Picturehouse and Stourbridge Academy), said the club would be open as usual this Saturday (June 29).

He added: “This is the first incident in four years. I think it is being blown out of proportion, like all incidents.”

Officers, police vans and a crime scene tent remained in Hagley Road throughout Sunday after the drama.

The man who was stabbed has since discharged himself from hospital, a police spokesman confirmed.

Five men, aged 21, 23, 25, 28 and 31 - all from out of the area, were arrested and released on police bail until August 31, pending further enquiries.