A murder investigation is under way after a 23-year-old man was stabbed to death on the dance floor of a Birmingham nightclub.

The man was fatally injured at The Crane on Adderley Street, Digbeth, just before 23:45 GMT on 26 December.

Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead about 30 minutes later, West Midlands Police said.

"This was a young man enjoying himself with friends on a Boxing Day night out," Det Insp Michelle Thurgood said.

The incident happened during a Boxing Day event featuring well-known techno DJ Marco Carola, that started at 15:00 GMT.

Police believe the victim was approached by a group before being stabbed and are urging anyone in the club to get in touch.

"We know there were hundreds of people in the nightclub at the time," added Det Insp Thurgood.

"While we've spoken to a number of them already, we still need to hear from anyone who was there and who witnessed or even filmed what happened."

One clubber told the PA news agency there were "groups of lads" who were "looking to cause trouble".

"As soon as me and my friends walked in, we got a very weird vibe and the atmosphere wasn't good," said Sydnee Power, 23, from Birmingham.

No arrests have been made but the scene remains closed while officers gather evidence and review CCTV footage.

Neighbourhood officers will be patrolling the area over the coming days to offer reassurance, police added.

In a statement, the venue said its staff was "deeply shocked and saddened" by the incident, which happened shortly before the event was due to finish at midnight.

It said "our thoughts are with the victim, and his family and friends" and staff were working closely with investigators.

DJ Steve Lawler, who played an earlier set and left before the stabbing, posted on social media the news was "heartbreaking".

"My prayers and love go to this person's family and loved ones," he said.

A New Year's Eve event at The Crane has been cancelled. (BBC)