A former Bury FC footballer has died in hospital after being assaulted.

Jordan Sinnott was found unconscious with a suspected fractured skull following a disturbance in Retford, Nottinghamshire, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A statement from Keith Brown, chief executive of his club Matlock Town, said the 25-year-old midfielder died shortly before 7pm on Saturday.

The statement 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."

Sinnott played 10 games for Bury between August and October 2013 after joining on loan from Huddersfield, scoring one goal. He also played for Altrincham, Halifax and Chesterfield. 

Nottinghamshire Police 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.

A 27-year-old man sustained a suspected broken nose during the incident, while a 44-year-old man suffered a suspected broken jaw.

Officers said a 27-year-old man who was arrested shortly after the incident remains in custody.

Detectives have now launched a murder investigation following Mr Sinnott’s death.

Detective Inspector Justine Wilson from Nottinghamshire Police 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 enquiries, 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.

“I would like to appeal directly to anyone who witnessed either incident to contact Nottinghamshire Police or call Crimestoppers anonymously with any information they may have.”

Matlock Town had earlier tweeted that their Saturday away game against Mickleover Sports had been postponed due to "tragic and unforeseen circumstances".

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