Teenager, 19, dies after fight outside boxing venue

A teenager has died after being stabbed in a fight outside a boxing venue.

Police initially described the scene as a "large-scale disorder" which erupted during the event at Walsall Town Hall on Saturday night.

The young man was left in a critical condition and several others were injured.

But on Sunday night, West Midlands Police confirmed the 19-year-old had since died and a murder investigation had been launched.

Several hundred people had turned up to the boxing event to see the main contest, the IBF Youth Lightweight title bout between local prospect Luke Paddock and Derby's Myron Mills.

But, according to witnesses, a fight had started inside the venue during a bout.

A number of people were thrown out of the building by security staff and the fight then continued outside at around midnight.

Detective Inspector Ian Wilkins said: "The event was attended by several hundred people and we are trawling CCTV to identify those involved.

"We are in the early stages of our inquiry and I would urge anyone who witnessed what happened and has not yet spoken to us to come forward."

Meanwhile, event promoter Black Country Boxing (BCB) said: "Our thoughts are with the victims and we will be liaising fully with the police and the venue."

In a statement, BCB added that all members of the public had been given a full-body search going into the venue, in line with boxing industry regulations, and all drinks were served in plastic glasses.

The company said: "In the final rounds of the top bill fight a fracas began inside the venue and security ushered a number of those in attendance outside, in order for the promotion to continue."