Footballer, 26, dies after car ploughs into crowd in Arnold town centre

A footballer who was expecting his second child with his partner died after a car mowed down pedestrians in Nottinghamshire.

Several pedestrians were injured after the driver of a red Vauxhall Astra mounted the kerb and rammed into the group in Arnold town centre.

Tyler, 26, had been celebrating the end of the season with his teammates when they were hit at about 1.12am on Saturday.

The dad-of-one was taken to the hospital, where he fought for his life before succumbing to his injuries yesterday.

Now a murder investigation has been launched following Tyler’s death.

Duane Anthony, 40, was arrested on Saturday evening following the incident.

He was previously charged with five counts of attempted murder, taking a vehicle and driving offences, including not having a valid licence.

Tyler was expecting his second child, a baby girl, with his partner of eight years, friend Lauren Clifford, with whom he had a son, according to a fundraiser set up to help the family.

Laura Clifford, who set up a JustGiving page, said Tyler’s partner, an NHS worker, was in the ‘final stages of her pregnancy’ and she now faces ‘a loss no one should ever have to endure.’

Tyler’s football club, Woodthorpe Park Rangers FC, posted a picture of Tyler dressed in his orange kit with caption ‘Rest in peace TY, forever our number 6.’

The club said previously in a statement that the team’s ‘lovely evening ended up in complete heartbreak’ when three members, including its manager, were struck by a car.

Tyler suffered life-threatening injuries that later killed him, while two other teammates were left with minor injuries.

Michael Payne, the MP for Gedling, said: ‘My deepest sympathy to Tyler Fairman’s family and friends. This is such a heartbreaking loss.

‘I know everyone in our community will be sending all their love, thoughts and prayers to Tyler’s loved ones.

‘I will do all I can to support Tyler’s family, loved ones and our community.’

Gedling Borough Council said the police confirmed there is no threat to the wider public and asked residents ‘not to speculate.’

Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: ‘As we release the sad news of Tyler’s death, our first thoughts go to his family and loved ones at this difficult time.

‘Both they and the other people injured or affected by this collision continue to be supported by specially trained police officers.

‘We can also confirm today that this is now a murder investigation.

‘As such, criminal proceedings are active, so anything relating to this incident should be shared with the police, not online, as doing so could potentially impede the pursuit of justice.

‘We are aware of videos of the incident circulating on social media and have informed the victims and their families of this.

‘They have appealed to anyone who has shared or posted any such videos to take them down immediately so that Tyler’s family can grieve in peace.’

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