Tom Maynard death: Family pays tribute to cricketer

Tom Maynard moved from Glamorgan to Surrey in 2011

The family of Surrey cricketer Tom Maynard has thanked the public for its support following the "devastating blow" of the 23-year-old's death.

Cardiff-born Maynard was hit by a London Underground train on Monday.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) confirmed it had been notified of the incident.

In a statement issued through the British Transport Police, Maynard's family asked to be left to grieve in private.

"The Maynard family would like to thank everyone for the many messages of support following Tom's tragic death in London yesterday morning," said the statement.

"As you can appreciate, the news has come as a devastating blow and although the family is grateful for all the kind messages of sympathy, we would ask that we can be left to grieve in private at this very difficult and sad time for us."

His family include his father, former England batsman Matthew Maynard, who played for and later coached Glamorgan.

Tom Maynard's death was announced a day after he played for his county in the t20 game against Kent.

The Metropolitan Police said a man matching his description ran away after a car being driven "erratically" was stopped in the early hours of Monday.

Tom Maynard followed his father Matthew in playing for Glamorgan

A force spokesman said: "At approximately 04:15 BST on Monday, 18 June, officers stopped a vehicle after it was seen being driven erratically in Arthur Road, SW19.

"The male driver of the vehicle - a black Mercedes C250 - made off on foot. Officers were unable to locate the man.

'Incredibly talented'

"At approximately 05:10 BST the body of a man fitting the same description was found on tracks near Wimbledon Park station."

News of his death prompted tributes from within and beyond the world of cricket.

His current club Surrey described Maynard as "an incredibly talented young batsman".

England and West Indies players hold a minute's silence before their match on Tuesday

The county along with former club Glamorgan, where he spent four years, have both postponed their respective Friends Life t20 games scheduled for Wednesday.

Surrey's flag flew at half-mast at its Oval ground where England were playing the West Indies in a one-day match.

Both sides were wearing black arm bands as a mark of respect for the match and there was a minute's silence.

Flowers and shirts have been left outside the ground.