Murder investigation after non-league footballer dies in Milton Keynes
Thames Valley Police were called to reports of an assault in the city centre early on Sunday morning
Last updated 4 hours ago
A murder investigation has begun after the death of a 26-year-old man who was seriously injured in an assault in Milton Keynes.
Thames Valley Police officers were called by South Central Ambulance Service at shortly after 1.50am on Sunday 1 November, following reports that a man had been assaulted in Midsummer Boulevard.
Despite the best efforts of medical staff, the victim died from his injuries in hospital on Monday 2 November.
He has been formally identified as Ezekiel Williams, aged 26, from London, and his family are being supported by specially trained officers.
An investigation has now been launched by the Major Crime Unit and three arrests have been made.
Tributes paid
Ezekiel Williams was a non-league footballer playing with Hendon FC in North West London. His club released a statement on Monday night. It reads: "We are stunned and heartbroken to announce the sudden and tragic passing of midfielder Ezekiel Williams yesterday afternoon aged 26.
"A humble, unassuming and generous individual with a razor-sharp wit, Eze joined the club in September and quickly established himself as a highly popular member of the dressing room and 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. Only 10 days ago, he scored his first goal for the club against Jersey Bulls.
"As a sign of respect, and to allow the players and management time to process this profoundly shocking news, tomorrow’s London Senior Cup tie with Woodford Town has been postponed.
"There has been a gofundme page set up in Ezekiel’s memory for anyone who would like to support and donate.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Ezekiel’s family, friends, and everyone who knew him at this devastating time. He will be very sadly missed by all of us at Hendon Football Club."
He also joined Kettering FC fr the 2024-25 season. The club said: “Ezekiel showed great leadership qualities from the get-go at his time here and his humble approach made him a highly popular member of the dressing room.
“He was a talented, kind, and a truly inspirational individual who had his faith at the forefront of his heart, and this led him to be the wonderful young man that he was, someone whose warmth touched everyone lucky enough to know him, and whose example will continue to inspire us long after today.”
Arrests
Two men, aged 21 and 28 from Luton have been arrested on suspicion of murder and another man, aged 30, also from Luton, on suspicion of assisting an offender, and they remain in custody at this time.
Detective Inspector Rob Underhill, of the Major Crime Unit, said: “Our thoughts are first and foremost with the Ezekiel’s family and loved ones at this devastating time.
“Specially trained family liaison officers are supporting them as they come to terms with their devastating loss.
“We have made three arrests in connection with this investigation and do not believe that there is any wider risk to the local community.
“We are carrying out a thorough and extensive investigation to establish exactly what happened.
“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.
“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area of Midsummer Boulevard and The Hub between 1am and 2am on Sunday morning to come forward if they witnessed anything that could assist our investigation.
“We are particularly keen to hear from anybody who may have mobile phone footage, dash-cam footage or CCTV recordings from the area at the time.
“Even the smallest piece of information could prove vital in helping us piece together the circumstances of this incident.”
Anybody with information should call 101 or make a report online, quoting reference 43260570882. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its website.