Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a footballer died following an assault in Nottinghamshire.

Jordan Sinnott, who played for Matlock Town, was found unconscious with a suspected fractured skull following two disturbances in Retford on Friday night and in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Nottinghamshire Police launched a murder investigation after the 25-year-old died in hospital shortly before 6pm on Saturday.

Three men have now been arrested in connection with the incident, including two men both aged 21 who were arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday, police said.

A 27-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm shortly after the incident remains in police custody, the force added.

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 Sinnott after he was discovered unconscious with a suspected fractured skull following a subsequent incident at around 2am in Market Place.

The footballer remained in hospital after the incident while receiving treatment for his injuries, where he died surrounded by his friends and family.

Sinnott is the son of former professional footballer Lee Sinnott, who played for Crystal Palace, Watford and Bradford City during his career.

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.

Detective inspector Justine Wilson, from Nottinghamshire Police, said the force were still looking for people who may have been directly involved in his death and urged anyone with any information to come forward.

She said: “Our thoughts remain with Mr Sinnott’s friends and family, who our specialist officers are continuing to support.

“The family would like to pass on their appreciation for the supportive messages they have received and ask for their privacy to be respected at this incredibly difficult time.

“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.”

Matlock Town said on Saturday that their away game against Mickleover Sports had been postponed due to “tragic and unforeseen circumstances”. 

In a tribute to Sinnott on Twitter, the non-league club 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.”

Sinnott joined the club from Alfreton Town, who also called off their Saturday fixture following the incident.

Fans and fellow footballers also paid tribute on social media, calling Sinnott an “unbelievable human”.