Man charged after death of ex-England footballer

Sam Harding, 20, died after being struck by a black Audi S3 in Warrington

A man has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving after an ex-England schoolboy footballer was knocked down and killed.

Pedestrian, Sam Harding, 20, from Stockport, died in hospital after being struck by a car in Warrington at about 21:40 BST on Sunday 10 April 2022.

The incident, which involved a black Audi S3, is alleged to have happened at a car meet on Kingsland Grange in the town.

Mason Hodgson, 23, of Glen Road, Morley, Leeds has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and is set to appear at Warrington Magistrates' Court on Tuesday 15 October, a Cheshire Police spokesperson said.

In a tribute released following Mr Harding's death, his family described him as a "sweet angel" and "a much loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend to many".

He played for North West Counties Football League (NWCFL) Premier Division side Ashton Athletic, based in Ashton-in-Makerfield, near Wigan.

Tributes were also paid by his other former clubs, including FC United Of Manchester, Prescot Cables and Runcorn Linnets

FC United Of Manchester academy manager Tom Conroy said Sam Harding had been "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".