Three men have been arrested following the suspected murder of non-league footballer Ezekiel Williams in Milton Keynes, Thames Valley Police have said.
Williams, 26, from London, died after being assaulted in the early hours of Sunday, November 1, on Midsummer Boulevard.
Detectives launched a murder investigation after he succumbed to his injuries in hospital on Monday.
Two men, aged 21 and 28, both from Luton, were arrested on suspicion of murder, while a third man, aged 30, also from Luton, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
All three suspects remain in police custody.
Williams, who joined Kettering Town FC for the 2024/25 season, was remembered by the club as a talented and inspirational individual following his death.
The midfielder, described as a box-to-box player, also featured for FC Romania, Northwood and Harrow Borough during his football career.
In a tribute, Kettering Town FC said Williams demonstrated strong leadership qualities from the beginning of his time at the club and quickly became a popular member of the dressing room.
“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,” the club said.
It described him as “a talented, kind, and truly inspirational individual” whose faith, warmth and character touched the lives of those around him.
The club added that a GoFundMe appeal had been established in his memory, saying he would be sadly missed by the footballing community.
Detective Inspector Rob Underhill expressed condolences to Williams’ family and loved ones, adding that specially trained family liaison officers were supporting them.
He said: “Our thoughts are first and foremost with Ezekiel’s family and loved ones at this devastating time.
“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.”
Underhill said police understood that the incident would cause concern among residents and confirmed that there would be an increased police presence around The Hub and Milton Keynes city centre in the coming days.
Police have appealed to anyone who was in the area of Midsummer Boulevard and The Hub between 1am and 2am on Sunday, November 1, to come forward.
Officers are also urging anyone with relevant dashcam or CCTV footage from the area at the time of the incident to assist with the investigation.
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