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Strictly star AJ Pritchard is attacked at a Cheshire nightclub
29 December 2018, 13:57
The professional dancer and his younger brother Curtis were attacked on Thursday (December 27).
A statement from the Strictly Come Dancing star's family revealed it was an "unprovoked" assault during a night out with two friends in Nantwich.
Curtis Pritchard now requires an emergency operation to his knee, and will no longer appear on next month's Dancing with the Stars Ireland.
A 20-year-old man has since been arrested and released.
AJ Pritchard had bruising to his face, arms, legs and body after the attack.
Cheshire police said: "Shortly after 2am on Thursday 27 December officers were called to reports of an incident at a night club on Welsh Row, Nantwich.
"Officers attended the scene and found that four men, three aged 22 and one aged 24, had been assaulted.
"The victims sustained a number of injuries as a result of the incident and were taken to Leighton Hospital for treatment. All of the men have since been discharged.
"Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and officers have arrested a 20-year-old man from Crewe on suspicion of assault; he has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries."
Several of AJ's co-stars have reacted to the news:
I canât believe what happen to @Aj11Ace and @CurtisPritchard . Sending lots of love your way. Itâs Christmas people! Where is humanity going? #disappointed
— katya Jones (@Mrs_katjones) December 29, 2018
So upset by the news about @Aj11Ace and @CurtisPritchard!! Two lovely guys that mean no harm to anyone ever!! I can not believe it. To the thugs that did that.. shall we dance???? #fuming
— Aljaz Skorjanec (@AljazSkorjanec) December 28, 2018
AJ was partnered with paralympian Lauren Steadman for this year's Strictly, reaching the semi-finals.
Curtis was set to appear on the upcoming Dancing with the Stars Ireland, which launches on January 6, he will no longer appear due to his injuries.
