A murder investigation has been launched following the death of Hendon FC footballer Ezekiel Williams, who died from a head injury, police have revealed.
A post-mortem examination found that the 26-year-old suffered serious injuries to the head. He was injured in an incident at around 2am on Sunday in Midsummer Boulevard and was taken to hospital, where he died on Monday.
Arrests made
Two men from Luton, aged 21 and 28, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody. A third man, aged 30 and also from Luton, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and has been released on bail.
Detectives from Thames Valley Police are continuing their investigations and have appealed for witnesses or anyone with more information to come forward.
Tributes to the player
Detective Inspector Rob Underhill said: “We are continuing to support the family of Ezekiel, and our thoughts remain with them, and all of Ezekiel's close circle of friends.”
He added: "It is clear from tributes that have been paid that he was a hugely respected and loved person, and we are determined to ascertain the circumstances around his death."
Mr Williams had played for several clubs in his time as a young footballer. He joined Hendon FC in north London in September and was described by the club as a “humble, unassuming and generous individual with a razor-sharp wit.”
The club added in a social media post that Mr Williams "was beginning to carve a place for himself in midfield with a series of hard-working and selfless displays that summed him up as a person". Just eleven days ago, he scored his first goal for the club against Jersey Bulls. He had also played for Kettering Town FC, FC Romania, Northwood, and Harrow Borough.
Fundraiser and appeal
A GoFundMe page has been set up in his memory, raising more than £17,000 as of Thursday evening. In the fundraiser, Mr Williams is described as “a selfless man tha was known for helping others whenever possible.”
Mr Williams also had a career as Head of Youth Development for a local football training community for the youth.
Police have appealed for witnesses and anyone with mobile phone footage, dashcam recordings or CCTV from Midsummer Boulevard around the time of the incident to make a report online or call 101, quoting reference 43260570882.
