Jordan Sinnott: Two men arrested on suspicion of murder following death of Matlock Town footballer

Victim found with suspected fractured skull in Retford town centre, Nottinghamshire

Photo of Jordan Sinnott issued by Matlock Town FC (PA)

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a footballer who died after being attacked during a night out.

Jordan Sinnott, who played for non-league Matlock Town, was found unconscious in Retford town centre in Nottinghamshire at around 2am on Saturday.

The 25-year-old was treated in hospital for a suspected fractured skull but died in hospital, surrounded by his family, just before 6pm.

Two other men were also injured, with a 27-year old man suffering a suspected broken nose and a 44-year old man suffering a suspected broken jaw.

Nottinghamshire Police launched a murder investigation and appealed for witnesses.

Detective Inspector Justine Wilson said: “​Retford is a fantastic town with a close knit community, and I would like to appeal directly to that community to come forward. Jordan’s family deserves answers, so please come and talk to us.

“We are making progress in the investigation, but we have unanswered questions. I know there are people out there who saw what happened and can answer those questions for us, so I would like to appeal to you directly – please do the right thing, not just for us but for Jordan’s family.”.

Police cordons at Retford Town Centre following footballer’s death (PA)

“We are still looking for people who may have been directly involved in Mr Sinnott’s death and I urge anyone who saw anything to come forward. The answers to this case lie in with the community and I know there will be witnesses who hold vital information for us.

“For the family’s sake I ask anyone who witnessed these events to contact Nottinghamshire Police or call Crimestoppers anonymously with any information they may have.

Police said they were initially called to reports of a fight involving up to eight men and women in the car park of the Dominie Cross pub in Grove Street just after 11.25pm on Friday.

Two-and-a-half hours later they were called to assist ambulance crews treating Mr Sinnott in Market Place.

A 27-year old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm shortly after the incident.

Two men aged 21 were arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday. All three suspects remain in custody.

Mr Sinnott, the son of former Crystal Palace defender Lee Sinnott, joined Matlock Town on loan from Alfreton Town. Both clubs called off their matches on Saturday following the incident.

Paying tribute to the midfielder on twitter, Matlock Town wrote: “You weren’t just a footballer, you were our friend and brother.

“You gave us incredible memories and scored your first career hat-trick in your final game for the club. Rest easy Jordan, we love, miss and will never forget you.”