Hendon FC midfielder Ezekiel Williams, 26, dies after assault

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 5 Nov, 17:04 · Archive

Ezekiel Williams, a 26-year-old midfielder for Hendon FC, died on Monday following an assault in Milton Keynes on Sunday.

Ezekiel Williams, a 26-year-old midfielder for north-west London club Hendon FC, died on Monday following an assault in Milton Keynes early on Sunday morning. Thames Valley Police said officers were called by the ambulance service shortly after 1.50am on Sunday to reports that a man had been assaulted on Midsummer Boulevard. Williams was taken to hospital with serious injuries but died the following day. He has been formally identified and his family is being supported by specially trained officers.

Thames Valley Police launched a murder investigation and arrested three men in connection with the incident. Two men, aged 21 and 28, both from Luton, have been arrested on suspicion of murder. A third man, aged 30, also from Luton, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. All three remain in custody. Detective Inspector Rob Underhill of the Major Crime Unit said there will be an increased police presence in and around Milton Keynes city centre over the coming days, though police said they do not believe there is any wider risk to the local community.

Williams joined Hendon FC in September and quickly became popular within the club. He had scored his first goal for the club just ten days before his death, in a match against Jersey Bulls. Hendon described him as a 'humble, unassuming and generous individual' with 'razor-sharp wit' who was establishing himself in midfield through 'hard-working and selfless displays'. The club announced the news on Tuesday evening and postponed its London Senior Cup tie with Woodford Town as a mark of respect.

Williams also worked as head of youth development at Journey Of A Pro, a grassroots football company running training sessions in and around Hillingdon. CEO Tyrique Clarke, who knew Williams from secondary school, told MyLondon that Williams dedicated himself to empowering children through football coaching and motivational guidance. Clarke said many young people involved in the programme are 'really upset' and some have missed school following the news of his death.

How it is being reported

• Heartbreaking tribute to kids' football coach, 26, who died 'after being attacked on night out'Ezekiel Williams, 26, has been remembered as a 'genuine, kind-hearted' person who empowered children with motivational football lessonsMyLondon · 5 Nov, 16:50
• Murder probe launched as London footballer dies after suspected assaultTributes have been paid to midfielder Ezekiel Williams, 26, after the London footballer died in hospital following a suspected assaultEvening Standard · 4 Nov, 18:09
• Two arrested on suspicion of murder after London footballer dies following assaultThames Valley Police is investigating the death of footballer Ezekiel Williams, aged 26, after two men were arrested on suspicion of murder following an assault in Milton Keynes on Sunday November 1.This Is Local London · 4 Nov, 13:47
• 'Heartbroken' London football club pays tribute after sudden death of midfielder, 26Ezekiel Williams, who played for Hendon in the Isthmian League South Central Division, died suddenly on MondayMyLondon · 3 Nov, 21:02

In this story: Ezekiel Williams · Hendon FC · Thames Valley Police · Milton Keynes · London · Luton · Journey Of A Pro · Tyrique Clarke

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