A third man has been arrested over the death of a non-league footballer who died after being attacked during a night out.

Jordan Sinnott, who played on loan at Matlock Town, was found unconscious in Retford in Nottinghamshire at about 2am on Saturday.

The 25-year-old was treated in hospital for a suspected fractured skull but died, surrounded by his family, just before 6pm.

Nottinghamshire police, who are handling the investigation, said a 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday. Two men, aged 21 and 27, had already been arrested in connection with the incidents and remain in custody, the force added.

Officers said they initially responded to reports of a fight between up to eight men and women in the car park of the Dominie Cross pub in Retford on Friday night.

Nearly three hours later they were called to assist ambulance crews treating Sinnott in Market Place. He had been discovered unconscious with a suspected fractured skull after a subsequent incident at about 2am.

Sinnott was the son of the former Crystal Palace, Watford and Bradford City footballer Lee Sinnott.

Two other men were also injured during the incidents. A 27-year-old man suffered a suspected broken nose and a 44-year-old was left with a suspected broken jaw.

DI Justine Wilson from Nottinghamshire police said the force was still looking for people who may have been involved and made an appeal for witnesses.

Wilson 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 postponed its away game against Mickleover Sports due to the “tragic and unforeseen circumstances”.

The Derbyshire club tweeted a tribute reading: “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 was on loan at Matlock from Alfreton Town and had previously played for football league clubs Huddersfield, Bury and Chesterfield.

In a statement Alfreton Town, which also called off its Saturday fixture following his death, said they were “saddened and heartbroken”.

It added: “Jordan was a model footballer and an exceptional talent during his time at the Impact Arena and had a close affinity with both the manager, assistant and the players he took the field with. Rest easy Sinbad, we will never forget you.”

The Manchester United defender Harry Maguire was among those who paid tribute on social media. “Such sad news. My thoughts are with his family and friends,” he wrote.

The former Liverpool striker Adam Morgan wrote: “Sinbad I couldn’t possibly put into words how much this news has hit me! My team mate through some great times an a always friend. From playing against you an with you my heart is broken today. What a man you are ... RIP Sinbad.”