29/10/2026
A Statement from Ricco & Loren
We have been made aware of rumours and comments circulating on social media and local Lichfield gossip pages regarding the tragic incident that took place at our venue in May.
We have been advised not to comment or engage in discussions on social media while legal proceedings are ongoing. However, given some of the inaccurate and hurtful claims being made, we feel it is important to clarify a few points.
Firstly, claims that the owner was a close personal friend of the individual accused of this terrible crime are simply untrue. As with any hospitality business, we get to know our customers, often by name. We pride ourselves on being welcoming, friendly and treating everyone with respect. This should never be mistaken for a close personal friendship.
Secondly, suggestions that the owner instructed security to help the individual escape through the rear of the building are completely false.
On the evening in question, the rear fire exit leading into the car park was open due to the warm weather. Given the aggression displayed by the individual involved, security escorted him from the premises through the nearest fire exit, which was the rear exit leading into the car park. This was done to prevent any further confrontation and allow our team to concentrate on assisting the injured party.
Our staff acted immediately and did everything within their power to help. Emergency services were contacted, and we provided the police with the individual’s identity and CCTV footage within minutes of the incident.
Throughout the investigation, we have cooperated fully with Staffordshire Police. Every member of our team has made themselves available whenever required, and we have assisted the authorities in every possible way.
We take our responsibilities as a licensed premises extremely seriously. We have extensive CCTV coverage, professional security and procedures in place to protect our customers and staff.
We would also like to make it clear that, following this tragic incident, our venue has continued to operate without any licensing penalties, restrictions or enforcement action being imposed upon us. Had the authorities identified serious failings in the management or operation of our premises, they had the powers to investigate and take appropriate licensing action, including seeking restrictions or closure where justified. No such action has been taken against our venue. On the contrary, we have received nothing but praise from the police regarding the actions of our staff and management throughout this terrible incident.
We have also contacted the Birmingham Mail directly to raise our concerns regarding the wording of its recent article, which we believe contains false and misleading allegations about the actions of the owner and our security team. We have requested that these concerns be addressed and the inaccuracies corrected.
What happened that evening was an unimaginable tragedy, one that could sadly have occurred in any venue. No amount of preparation can completely eliminate the risk of an individual’s sudden and unexpected act of violence.
Above all, we must never lose sight of the person who matters most in all of this Matt.
Matt was not simply a customer. He was a friend to many of us, and his loss has affected everyone who knew him. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies remain with his family and loved ones.
We would respectfully ask people to refrain from spreading rumours, making assumptions or sharing information they do not know to be true, particularly while legal proceedings are ongoing.
Out of respect for Matt, his family and the ongoing court proceedings, we will not be commenting further.
Ricco & Loren
