Nightclub boss offers reward to catch killers

A nightclub boss is offering a £5,000 reward for help in catching the attackers of a man who died three years after a brutal assault in Manchester's gay village.

Former Take That manager Nigel Martin-Smith, who owns Essential, has offered the cash because he is so sickened by the death of American Martin Salinas, 42.

Salinas was left with brain damage after the attack in Bloom Street on May 11, 2003, while on his way to the club.

He responded well to treatment and moved back to his home in Texas, but died recently after a seizure.

The case is now being treated as a murder inquiry.

Martin was attacked by two men - one stood on his chest while another kicked him in the head.

Martin-Smith told the Manchester Evening News: "I'm appalled that someone who was on his way to my club for a good night out with his friends was attacked in this way. ​

"It has all the hallmarks of a homophobic assault and it sickens me because this is not the first time something like this has happened.

"If anyone knows anything about what happened on that night then they should contact Crimestoppers.

"I have been criticised in the past for exercising a very strict door policy at my club. But it is for this reason, to keep out the sort of thugs who attacked this man.

"We regularly tell anyone who is in trouble in the Village to make their way to Essential or its sister bar Queer so that our security team can assist them.

"Martin was on his way to have a night out at Essential and I feel its only right that I do everything I can to find the people responsible for this savage attack

"I work very closely with the police and the city council to try to keep the gay village a safe place to visit."

Anyone with information on the attack should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.