A 21-year-old man who died after being stabbed in a Liverpool night club last night has been named locally as Sam Cook.

His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers from Merseyside Police.

A fight is believed to have broken out in the basement of Empire Bar on Seel Street before Sam was fatally stabbed , with police being called shortly before midnight.

He was rushed to hospital but died from his injuries.

A murder probe has been launched and a cordon remains in place around the club this morning with a police van parked in front, while officers carry out forensic enquiries and searches.

CCTV and witness enquiries are ongoing and detectives are urgently looking to speak to anyone who saw the incident or an altercation in the basement of the bar.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Tivendale said: “Our investigation is in its very early stages but we initially believe that some kind of altercation may have taken place in the basement area of the bar, leading to a tragically fatal attack.

“We need to hear from anyone who witnessed an altercation, the incident itself, or may have seen, heard or come into contact with anyone involved.

“You may have heard words being exchanged or someone running from the bar.

"All information provided will be acted upon and may be vital in identifying who was responsible and bringing them to justice.”

Empire nightclub has previously been the scene of another stabbing, when brick-layer Callum Dunne was “left for dead” in a pool of blood on New Year’s Eve.

Mr Dunne, who was also 21 at the time of the attack, had no recordable blood pressure when paramedics arrived at the club.

He jumped into a fight outside Empire after seeing his friends fighting with a group of men.

Seconds later CCTV showed him staggering along with blood gushing from his leg.

Anyone with information is urged to contact detectives on (0151) 7774814 or (0151) 7774065, call 101 quoting incident 1254.

Or you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously and for free, on 0800 555 111.