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BATTERED BY THUGS
Strictly’s AJ Pritchard and his brother Curtis injured after violent attack in Cheshire night club by eight thugs
STRICTLY dancer AJ Pritchard and his brother were beaten up by a gang of thugs in a nightclub attack.
Many Strictly stars, including Dianne Buswell, have expressed their fury about the violent attack.
AJ, 24, and Curtis, 23 — a pro dancer on the Irish version of Strictly called Dancing With The Stars — were kicked and punched in the face during the assault by eight yobs.
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A witness in Nantwich, Cheshire, said: “They were like men possessed.”
The pair were enjoying a night out with friends when the yobs suddenly circled them.
One clubber said: “The brothers were having a relaxed evening with friends and AJ was posing for selfies with a few fans.
“But the eight lads took a disliking to the brothers and pushed Curtis hard. Then they started punching them, like they were possessed.
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“Curtis had fallen to his knees and was being punched in the face and body. They were also punching AJ in his face, in his ribs and legs. AJ dragged Curtis out of the circle and pulled him to another part of the club.
“AJ was left with marks from rings on his face. Curtis looked like he had passed out and AJ had to carry him to safety. It was like a scene from a wild west film with the bouncers fighting this group.”
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Yesterday AJ was recovering from severe bruising and cuts after the 2am attack in the Nakatcha club in Nantwich, Cheshire. Curtis will need surgery in the next few days on a badly injured knee.
A spokesman for the brothers, visiting their parents for Christmas, said: “AJ and Curtis were assaulted in an unprovoked attack. Curtis is to undergo an emergency operation to correct damage to his knee. AJ received bruising to his face, arms, body and legs.”
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Police said “The four victims were taken to hospital for treatment. All have since been discharged.
“Officers arrested a 20-year-old man from Crewe on suspicion of assault. He has been released under investigation pending further inquiries.”
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MOST READ IN BIZARRE
Strictly dancer Neil Jones - who is married to fellow pro Katya - said in a tweet he was "disgusted" by the attack, adding: "I hope they catch everyone involved."
AJ, real name Alex James, joined Strictly in 2016 and became a fan favourite, dancing with gymnast Claudia Fragapane, singer Mollie King and paralympian Lauren Steadman.
Strictly dancer Gorka Marquez was attacked by yobs in 2016 in Blackpool. He lost two teeth.
Lauren Steadman dances the Cha Cha Cha to Fame with AJ Pritchard on Strictly Come Dancing
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