FOUR men have been arrested in connection with an assault on Saints Academy player Joe Sharratt outside Factory nightclub in Manchester city centre.

Joe Sharratt, 18, was left with a bleed on the brain after being knocked to the ground outside the city’s Factory 251 nightclub on Princess Street at around 3.20am on Sunday, December 2.

He spent a week in hospital before being allowed home to continue his recovery at home.

A police investigation after footage of the incident was circulated on social media and following extensive enquiries, officers have today Friday, December 14, arrested four men in connection with the incident.

Two men – aged 20 and 27 – have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, section 47 and section 20 assault.

A further two men – aged 39 and 40 – have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and section 47 assault.

The men all remain in custody for questioning and enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Chief Inspector Terry Crompton, of GMP’s City of Manchester division, said: “This was a horrific incident that quite clearly could have resulted in devastating consequences and we are working tirelessly to ensure that those responsible are held to account for their actions.

“Thankfully, the victim is making good progress and is recovering at home with his family.

“I would like to thank those witnesses who have already been in touch and shared their footage of the incident with us as this has really assisted with our enquiries.

“We have now arrested four men who will be interviewed by my team throughout the day but I want to stress that our investigation does not stop here and would still ask anyone with information to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 8563221 quoting reference number 396 of 02/12/18 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Manchester City Council branded the assault an “outrageous incident” adding that “those responsible have shamed Manchester”.

Factory nightclub has had its licence temporarily suspended since the incident which was caught on camera and shared on social media.

Following the assault the club also cancelled its security contractor.

The full licensing review is expected to take place before Christmas but due to scheduling issues may take place in the New Year.