Non-league star, 20, dies after being hit by Audi at ‘car meet’

A non-league footballer has tragically died after being hit by a vehicle at a "car meet" in Cheshire.

Former England schoolboy international Sam Harding was struck by a car in an industrial area in Warrington on Sunday night, police said. The 20-year-old from Stockport, who played for North West Counties Football League (NWCFL) side Ashton Athletic, was taken to hospital, where he later passed away.

A 21-year-old man from Leeds was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He had been driving the car involved in the incident, a black Audi S3, and was uninjured.

Harding's club, Ashton Athletic, paid tribute to the footballer in a post on social media on Monday afternoon. In a tweet, they wrote: "Ashton Athletic are devastated to hear the news of the passing of 2021/22 first team player Sam Harding.

"A much loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend to many. We will never ever forget you Sam and will love you forever. Rest in peace sweet angel, love Mum, Dad and Amy xx."

His former club, Northern Premier League Premier Division side FC United of Manchester, also paid tribute to Harding. Academy boss Tom Conroy said: "Technically Sam was one of the best academy players we have ever had and that was proven when he was successful in England schoolboy trials earning caps for his country.

"Sam is always spoken about to future academy players as a perfect example of the type of player we want at the club not only with regards to the standard of footballing ability but the type of person he was – kind, polite, hard working and professional.

"He will be sadly missed and I would like to pass my love and condolences to Sam’s family."

Sergeant Simon Degg of the Serious and Complex Collision Investigation Unit said that inquiries into the incident were in the "early stages."

"Inquiries in relation to this incident are in the early stages and we are committed to doing everything we can to establish what has taken place," he said.

"We know that there were a large number of people present at the ‘car meet’ and as part of our investigation we are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision.

"The same goes for anyone with any video footage from the event – both of the collision itself and before and after the incident. I’d urge anyone with any information, no matter how small, to get in touch."

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