A MAN was in hospital recovering from stab wounds after he was knifed in the back near a troubled city bar.
A teenager is due in court today in connection with the attack.
The 31-year-old victim was allegedly knifed near the Players Lounge sports bar and function suite, on Yew Lane, Ecclesfield, before being taken to the Northern General Hospital.
He was treated for his stab wound, which is not thought to be life-threatening.
Police were called following a report of an assault, and arrested three local men.
Two of the men have been released on bail pending further enquiries, while 19-year-old Brad Spencer, of Yew Lane, was charged with wounding with intent and possessing a knife.
Spencer was due to appear at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court this morning.
A resident who lives near to Players Lounge said the area around the club was plagued with night-time disorder and neighbours were ‘fed up’.
“The bar attracts hundreds of teenagers, and every Friday and Saturday evening there’s trouble, with fights in nearby streets up to 1am in the morning,” said the man, who didn’t want to be named.
“People are having cars damaged and broken glass and rubbish are left all over Yew Lane and Reneville Crescent.
“Everyone is sick and tired of the problems. This stabbing is just the latest and the police are there all the time.”
The Players Lounge car park was sealed off with police tape the morning after the attack, which happened at around 11pm on Friday, and forensics officers spent the weekend combing the scene for evidence.
A notice written by premises supervisor Kevin Johnstone was put up on the door reading ‘Sorry, we are closed until Monday’.
Two years ago the bar’s licence was reviewed by Sheffield Council after complaints of fighting, underage drinking and signs of drug-taking in the toilets.
In one fight in the early hours of New Year’s Day 2011, up to 50 people were outside and a man was knocked unconscious.
An application was lodged by licensee Keith Johnstone last month to vary the club’s licence, extending alcohol sales until midnight from Sundays to Thursdays, and up to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.
A police spokesman said: “A 31-year-old man has received hospital treatment for stab injuries following an alleged assault near The Players Lounge on Yew Lane, Ecclesfield.
“The man sustained stab wounds to his back and was taken to the Nothern General Hospital. His condition was not believed to be life-threatening.
“Three men were arrested on Saturday. Two have been bailed pending further enquries.”