Two arrested over mystery death of football president

TWO pensioners have been arrested and questioned in connection with the death of a Sunday football league president.

Lionel Webster, aged 61, died inside a house in Broughton Crescent, Barlaston, in unexplained circumstances.

He had been the president of the Leek and District Sunday League for 22 years and was a well-known character, respected for his commitment and experience in football.

Chairman of the League Roy Brindley said: "Lionel was a very popular man and everyone in the league is devastated about what has happened.

"It was a shock and was completely unexpected. He was so well liked by everyone because he had a soft approach.

"We always discussed things and came to a solution. He had a vast experience of football and business and that made him so popular.

"He was an excellent president who took a very active approach to his role as president.

"Other people may have sat in the background as president but he was there at nearly every meeting and sponsored two cups. I will miss him a lot, we got on so well."

Mr Webster lived in Brierlow Road, Harpur Hill, Buxton, with his wife Jackie.

A post mortem has been carried out and the funeral arrangements have not yet been made.

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "Just before 7pm on October 26, officers were called to a home in Broughton Crescent, Barlaston.

"Paramedics were already in attendance but, despite their efforts, a man was pronounced dead at the scene.

"At this time, the man's death is being treated as unexplained and officers are making further inquiries about the circumstances surrounding the death."

A 67-year-old woman and a 74-year-old man, who are both from the Barlaston area, have been arrested in connection with the incident.

They have both been bailed, pending further inquiries, until early December.

People living near to the scene of the death said they were shocked and surprised to hear about the tragic event in their street.

Broughton Crescent resident, Alexander Lackie, aged 70, said: "I saw an ambulance, police car and fire engine at the address on the evening.

"People have been talking about it in the local shop and there are whispers and rumours about what's happened.

"Some people think it was connected to some sort of party in the house."