TRIBUTES are being to a "beautiful and much-loved" son who died in a fatal collision at a car meet yesterday, Sunday.

Sam Harding, 20, from Stockport, died in the incident in Warrington last night.

He was a talented footballer, with Prescot Cables among his former club. Cables were among the clubs to add to the many tributes today.

In a statement the football club said: "The club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sam Harding, who was killed in a car accident last night.

"Sam made a number of appearances for Prescot Cables during the 2019-2020 season.

"Our thoughts are with his friends, former teammates and family at this time. RIP Sam."

Numerous tributes have also flowed from grassroots clubs, including FC United.

 

Police investigation

Police, meanwhile, confirmed they were called to reports of a collision between a car and a pedestrian on Kingsland Grange in Woolston, Warrington at around 9.40pm.

Officers attended the scene and found that the collision involved a black Audi S3 and a 20-year-old pedestrian, who were both believed to be in attendance at the car meet.

The pedestrian was taken to Warrington Hospital, but sadly, despite the best efforts of all those involved, he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The driver of the car, a 21-year-old man from Morley, Leeds, was uninjured. He was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Meanwhile, enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and officers are keen to hear from anyone with any information or video that may aid their investigation.

Sergeant Simon Degg, from the Serious and Complex Collision Investigation Unit said: “Enquiries 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.

“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 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 would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small, to get in touch.”

 

'We will never, ever forget you Sam - family's heartbreaking tribute'

 

In a tribute, Sam’s family said: “Our beautiful son was tragically taken away from us on Sunday, April 10.

“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.”

St Helens Star:

Meanwhile, FC United Academy manager Tom Conroy paid tribute to a player who had come through the club's ranks.

He said: "I worked with Sam in our academy for 2 years in which he shown to be a very good centre midfielder playing week in week out for the youth team, before eventually training and making appearances for our first team. 

"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. 

"He was a very polite lad and a pleasure to coach. Not only did his footballing ability shine but his attitude, work rate and professionalism on and off the pitch was always exemplary, and he was a great role model for his peers.

"Sam would seem quite quiet in and around the lads, however it was clear that he was a very popular and well liked lad in the Academy with his team-mates and staff at FC United. 

"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"

Witnesses - how to contact police

Anyone with any information or video footage which may aid the investigation is asked to contact Cheshire Police at cheshire.police.uk/police-forces/cheshire-constabulary/areas/cheshire/about-us/about-us/provide-more-information-about-an-appeal/ or by calling 101, quoting IML 1242714.

Information can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.