Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after Hendon FC midfielder Ezekiel Williams died following an assault in Milton Keynes.
Williams, 26, was found seriously injured after an altercation on Midsummer Boulevard shortly before 2am on November 1. He died in hospital on Monday afternoon, ten days after scoring his first goal for the club.
Thames Valley Police said a 21-year-old and a 28-year-old, both from Luton, had been arrested on suspicion of murder. A third Luton man, aged 30, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
All three men remain in custody, the force said.
Detective Inspector Rob Underhill said officers were conducting a “thorough and extensive investigation to establish exactly what happened”.
He added: “We recognise this incident will cause concern within the local community.
“There will continue to be an increased police presence in and around The Hub and Milton Keynes city centre over the coming days, and I would encourage anybody with concerns to speak with our officers.”
Police have appealed for anyone who was near Midsummer Boulevard and The Hub between 1am and 2am on Sunday morning to come forward.
Officers are particularly keen to obtain mobile phone, dash-cam or CCTV footage from the area. Detective Inspector Underhill said: “Even the smallest piece of information could prove vital in helping us piece together the circumstances of this incident.”
Williams’s family are being supported by liaison officers.
Hendon FC said it was “stunned and heartbroken” by the death of the player, who was known as Eze. The club described him as a “humble, unassuming and generous individual with a razor-sharp wit”.
Williams joined Hendon in September and had quickly become a popular member of the dressing room. The club said his hard-working displays had seen him begin to establish himself in midfield.
His London Senior Cup tie against Woodford Town has been postponed as a mark of respect, allowing players and management time to process what the club called “profoundly shocking news”.
Williams, a box-to-box midfielder, had also played for FC Romania, Northwood, Harrow Borough and Kettering Town.
Kettering Town paid tribute to a “talented, kind, and a truly inspirational individual”, saying his leadership and humility had made him highly popular during his time there.
A fundraiser set up in his memory described Williams as a “truly special son, brother and friend” who regularly helped others. Organisers said he had dreamed of becoming a professional footballer and had worked “day in, day out” to achieve his ambition.
