A man and a woman were shot today and a third person stabbed when violence spilled out of a busy nightclub in Bilston town centre.

Several shots were fired outside the Tropical Harmony nightspot in High Street. Today detectives were still trying to establish what type of gun was used but say an argument inside the venue triggered the shooting.

A 44-year-old man and 25-year-old woman suffered gunshot wounds. Both went to New Cross Hospital and were in a stable condition today.

A 46-year-old man, who is believed to have been stabbed, has already been discharged from hospital following the 3.20am drama.

Today, traders were being turned away from their businesses as the High Street was shut between its junctions with Church Street and Smith Street.

The club, which has been at the centre of complaints from residents, was behind a police cordon that included The Trumpet pub, music shop Soundmasters, Elite Tanning, the DIY Icing Centre, Paynes estate agents, Tandy dealers Teleslot and hair salon Paul Alibarbers.

Across the road the Sir Henry Newbolt pub, Bilston Carpets and Furniture, the King Cod fish bar and a former pawnbrokers shop were also sealed off.

Det Ch Insp Mark Payne said today: “There were a number of shots discharged and we’re still doing forensic examinations at the scene. There were lots of people in the club at the time. An incident has taken place in the club, but we don’t know what the motive is and we’re still looking for witnesses.”

Former maintenance engineer John Marriott, aged 72, of Mill Street, said: “This was once a lovely quiet town but now people are scared to walk its streets.”