A murder investigation has been launched after a London footballer died following a suspected assault in Milton Keynes.

Ezekiel Williams, 26, who recently joined north London club Hendon FC, suffered serious injuries in the early hours of Sunday after an incident on Midsummer Boulevard.

Thames Valley Police said officers were called by the ambulance service shortly after 1.50am. Mr Williams later died in hospital on Monday from his injuries.

Two men, aged 21 and 28 and 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 have been remanded in custody.

Mr Williams, a midfielder from London, joined Hendon FC in September and was beginning to establish himself in the first team. He had previously played for a number of non-league clubs, including Kettering Town and Marlow FC.

In a tribute posted on X, Hendon FC described him as a "humble, unassuming and generous individual with a razor-sharp wit".

The club said: "Zeke 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."

The player had scored his first goal for the club just 10 days ago in a match against Jersey Bulls.

As a mark of respect, Hendon's London Senior Cup tie against Woodford Town on Wednesday has been postponed.

Kettering Town, where Mr Williams played during the 2024-25 season, also paid tribute.

A club spokesperson said he had demonstrated "great leadership qualities from the get go" and described him as a "talented, kind, and truly inspirational individual".

Detective Inspector Rob Underhill, of Thames Valley Police's Major Crime Unit, said officers were continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He said: "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."

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.