Son of ex-Walsall player Lee Sinnott dies after late-night attack
The son of former Walsall player Lee Sinnott has died after after being attacked on a night out.
Jordan Sinnott died in hospital aged 25 hours after being left with life-threatening injuries following an altercation involving several men and women at a pub in Nottinghamshire in the early hours of Saturday.
The non-league footballer, who played for Matlock Town on loan from Alfreton Town, suffered a suspected fractured skull in the attack in Retford.
Nottinghamshire Police said a murder investigation has now been launched. A 27-year-old man who was arrested shortly after the incident on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm remains in custody.
Officers initially responded to reports of up to eight men and women being involved in a disturbance in the Dominie Cross pub car park in Grove Street shortly after 11.25pm on Friday.
They were later called to assist ambulance crews attempting to treat Mr Sinnott after he was discovered unconscious with a suspected fractured skull following a subsequent incident at around 2am in Market Place.
Sinnott died in hospital shortly before 6pm, the force said.
Detective Inspector Justine Wilson issued a fresh plea for anyone with any information about the two “large-scale disturbances” in the town centre to contact police.
She said: “Mr Sinnott’s death is a sad and significant development in this investigation.
“Our thoughts remain with Mr Sinnott’s friends and family, who our specialist officers are continuing to support at this incredibly difficult time.
“Our investigative team’s focus will remain on identifying those responsible and bringing them to justice and, while we have made one arrest at an early stage of our inquiries, we are appealing to anyone who was in Retford town centre late last night and in the early hours of this morning to come forward.
“This incident happened at a very busy time and we believe there are still a number of witnesses who have still not yet come forward who may hold vital information about how a young man came to lose his life so tragically.”
Two other men were also injured during the incidents. A 27-year-old man sustained a suspected broken nose, while a 44-year-old man suffered a suspected broken jaw.
Jordan’s father Lee was born in Aldridge and went to play 40 times for Saddlers in the 1980s. The 54-year-old also played for Rushall Olympic.
Lee went on to play for other clubs including Watford, Bradford City, Crystal Palace and Huddersfield Town.
After his playing career, he managed Port Vale as well as a number of non-league sides.
Rushall said on Twitter tonight: “Absolutely soul destroying news. Our thoughts are with Jordan, family & friends. His father, Lee was born locally & is a former Rushall Olympic and @WFCOfficial favourite & we’re so sorry for your loss. This horrific scenario puts life & football into stark context RIP Jordan”
Matlock Town also issued a statement, which said: "His family and friends were with him at his bedside and we send our sincere condolences to them all at this very sad time."
