A SENIOR nightclub bouncer is set to face a crown court trial after being charged with the murder of a Blackpool clubber.

Head doorman Sajad Hussain Ali, 32, of Palatine Road, appeared before resort magistrates on Tuesday accused of killing 24-year-old Stuart Watt outside Flares nightspot in the early hours of Sunday, September 4.

The court heard how Mr Watt, of Harcourt Road, South Shore, was left suffering serious head injuries following an alleged disturbance outside the town centre venue at around 1.30am.

He was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital before being transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

Mr Watt was then admitted to the hospital's Critical Care Unit but died at around 10.30pm on Monday evening after doctors confirmed his injuries had left him clinically brain dead.

Ali - who had been promoted to head doorman earlier this year - was initially arrested on suspicion of serious assault shortly after the incident but was later charged with the murder.

He will now be remanded in custody until his first appearance at Preston Crown Court on Monday, September 13, after a request for bail was refused.

A Blackpool police spokeswoman has confirmed detectives are still hunting for further witnesses to the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or Blackpool police on 01253 293933.