DOORMEN from Manchester's Factory 251 nightclub have been sacked after 18-year-old Saints academy rugby league player Joe Sharratt was assaulted outside the venue.

Joe suffered a serious head injury and is in a stable condition in hospital.

His mother Jane Sharratt told a BBC report that her son had a bleed on the brain but was now "sitting up and talking".

In the interview his parents, Jane and Brian, from Blackpool, said their son was recovering and "making a few jokes...which is a really good sign".

Hours before he was injured, Joe had played for Lancashire Academy against Australia Schoolboys.

Joe's parents described him as a "lovely lad". They said getting the call about the incident was "probably the worst nightmare".

***Warning this video may contain footage that some people find distressing ***

Video footage shared on social media showed Joe being knocked to the ground outside the club.

Punches are then repeatedly thrown at his friend.

Police have appealed for witnesses to the attack that happened at 3.20am on Sunday.

In a statement Factory said it "immediately terminated the service contract" with the security contractor Professional Security. The venue was closed on Monday night.

The security contractor, meanwhile, confirmed that it has sacked staff.

A statement on its website read: "Following an incident which took place outside Factory nightclub in Manchester in the early hours of Sunday, December 2, we have commenced a full investigation.

"We can confirm that Professional Security has terminated the contracts of all of the security personnel involved in this incident.

“We are also working closely with the local authorities, police, and the Security Industry Authority to ensure that appropriate action is taken swiftly against all of these door supervisors.

"As a company, our primary focus is on upholding the highest standards. We have been an SIA Approved Contractor for 12 years, achieving some of the highest scores in the industry over recent years as a result of our commitment to compliance.

"We were appalled by the behaviour of the door supervisors shown in the footage of this incident, which contradicts everything that we strive to achieve at Professional Security."

A statement released by Saints this morning read: "Joe is of impeccable character and is an upstanding member of our Academy system.

“He represented Lancashire Schoolboys against Australian Schoolboys with distinction on Saturday and was hoping to represent England next weekend.

"He is a top academic achiever with a very bright future ahead of him alongside his rugby league prowess.

"Our welfare team are now in contact with Joe’s family and we will offer any assistance we can at this distressing time.

"Understandably, our thoughts are now with Joe and his family."

Chief Inspector Cherie Buttle of GMP’s City of Manchester Division, said: “We’re aware that there are a number of videos circulating on social media and I cannot stress how important it is that those with footage make contact with us.

“With a mobile phone at everyone’s fingertips, filming something is often the first thing people think to do but please, pass this onto us to so we can fully investigate this matter.

“While it was early in the morning, this happened on a busy street so there may have been people who have seen something but have not yet been in touch with us.

“You can talk directly to our investigation team or pass on any information through Crimestoppers.”