Three men arrested over murder of Kettering Town midfielder Ezekiel Williams, 26

Thames Valley Police have arrested three men on suspicion of murdering Ezekiel Williams, a 26-year-old non-league footballer who died in hospital after being assaulted in Milton Keynes in the early hours of Sunday 20 July.

Williams, a box-to-box midfielder from London, was found injured on Midsummer Boulevard and later died of his injuries on Monday. Two men aged 21 and 28, both from Luton, have been arrested on suspicion of murder. A third man, aged 30, also from Luton, has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. All three remain in custody.

Kettering Town FC, the club Williams joined for the 2024-25 season, paid tribute to him on social media, describing him as “a talented, kind, and a truly inspirational individual who had his faith at the forefront of his heart.”

“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 wrote. “His warmth touched everyone lucky enough to know him, and whose example will continue to inspire us long after today.”

Williams had also represented FC Romania, Northwood, and Harrow Borough during his career.

Detective Inspector Rob Underhill said: “Our thoughts are first and foremost with 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.”

DI Underhill added that officers are conducting a “thorough and extensive investigation” and that an increased police presence will remain in and around The Hub and Milton Keynes city centre in the coming days.

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area of Midsummer Boulevard and The Hub between 1am and 2am on Sunday to come forward, along with any dashcam or CCTV footage. Information can be provided by calling 101, reporting online quoting reference 43260570882, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.