Two men from Luton arrested over murder of footballer Ezekiel Williams in Milton Keynes

What happened

Ezekiel Williams, 26, a midfielder from London who played for Hendon FC, was seriously injured in the early hours of Sunday, 1 November, on Midsummer Boulevard in Milton Keynes. Thames Valley Police said South Central Ambulance Service called officers shortly after 01:50 GMT. Ambulance crews treated him at the scene before he was taken to hospital, where he died on Monday, 2 November. A murder investigation has been launched after the suspected assault. The assault happened close to The Hub, a public square with bars and restaurants in the city's nightlife area.

Arrests and police appeal

Two men from Luton, aged 21 and 28, have been arrested on suspicion of murder. Police have also arrested a 30-year-old man from Luton on suspicion of assisting an offender, and all three have been remanded in custody. Detective Inspector Rob Underhill, of the force's major crime unit, said:

“We recognise this incident will cause concern within the local community.”

Underhill said police did not believe there was any wider risk to the local community. Officers will maintain an increased presence around The Hub and Milton Keynes city centre in the coming days. Detectives want to speak to anyone who was in the area of Midsummer Boulevard and The Hub between 1am and 2am on Sunday, and they are asking for mobile phone, dash-cam and CCTV footage from that period.

Tributes from clubs

Hendon FC, which plays in the Isthmian League South Central Division, said Williams joined the club in September and had been building a place for himself in midfield through hard-working and selfless displays. In a statement posted to X, the club described him as humble, unassuming and generous. His first goal for Hendon came in a fixture against Jersey Bulls. The club postponed the London Senior Cup tie with Woodford Town as a sign of respect.

Kettering Town FC, where Williams joined at the start of the 2024/25 season, also paid tribute. A spokesperson said he had shown great leadership qualities during his time at the club. The club described him as a talented, kind and inspirational young man whose faith was at the forefront of his heart.

Next steps

Investigators are urging witnesses to come forward, and family liaison officers are supporting Williams's family. Police said the three arrests were made in connection with the investigation and that the force is working to establish exactly what happened. The force has appealed to anyone with mobile phone, dash-cam or CCTV footage from Midsummer Boulevard at the time of the incident to contact them.