Two men have been charged with murder following the death of non-league footballer Ezekiel Williams, who died in hospital after an attack in Milton Keynes in the early hours of Sunday 1 November.

Sameull Hussein, 28, of no fixed abode, and Arman Uddin, 21, of Saxon Road, Luton, were each charged with one count of murder on Thursday night, 5 November. They were due to appear before Milton Keynes Magistrates' Court on Friday 6 November.

Williams, 26, a midfielder for Hendon FC, was seriously injured in Midsummer Boulevard, in central Milton Keynes near The Hub, shortly before 2am on Sunday 1 November. Officers were called by the South Central Ambulance Service, and Williams was taken to hospital. He died from his injuries the following day, Monday 2 November.

A Home Office post-mortem examination carried out on Thursday 5 November found that Williams had died of a head injury, although police said the cause of death was preliminary and could be subject to further investigation.

Thames Valley Police launched a murder investigation after Williams died, led by the force's Major Crime Unit. Three men from Luton were arrested in the days after the attack. A third man, aged 30, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and has been released on bail while the investigation continues.

Detective Inspector Rob Underhill, of the Major Crime Unit, said the force's thoughts were first and foremost with Williams' family and loved ones. He said specially trained family liaison officers were supporting them as they came to terms with their loss, and that officers were carrying out a thorough investigation to establish exactly what happened.

Police said there would continue to be an increased police presence around The Hub and Milton Keynes city centre, and appealed for anyone who was in the area of Midsummer Boulevard and The Hub between 1am and 2am on Sunday 1 November to come forward. Officers are particularly keen to hear from anyone with mobile phone footage, dash-cam footage or CCTV recordings from the area at the time.

Williams had joined Hendon, who play in the eighth tier of English football, in September 2026 and had quickly become a popular member of the dressing room. He scored his first goal for the club in a 4-2 home defeat to Jersey Bulls on 24 October, and his last appearance for the Greens came three days later against Egham Town.

Hendon announced his death in a statement on social media, saying: "We are stunned and heartbroken to announce the sudden and tragic passing of midfielder Ezekiel Williams aged 26. A humble, unassuming and generous individual with a razor-sharp wit." The club said Williams had quickly established himself as a highly popular member of the dressing room and would be very sadly missed.

The club postponed its London Senior Cup tie against Woodford Town, which had been scheduled for Wednesday, following his death. A fundraising page has also been set up in Williams' memory to support his family.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Thames Valley Police on 101 or report it online, quoting reference 43260570882. Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The two men charged are accused of murder; the allegations against them have not yet been tested in court, and both are presumed innocent unless proved guilty.