Stevenage FC have paid tribute to the late Ollie Gatfield after the tragic 19-year-old died in a fatal crash in Hitchin on Saturday evening.

Mr Gatfield and his friend Liam Sharpe - both staunch Stevenage fans - were returning from the club's League One match at Shrewsbury at the weekend, when the car they were in left the road and collided with a tree on the A602 Park Way, near the junction with Charlton Road shortly before 840pm.

The club said in a statement: "Stevenage Football Club is deeply saddened to learn the passing of 19-year-old supporter Ollie Gatfield on Saturday.

"A dedicated member of the East Terrace, Ollie followed Stevenage home and away and attended the weekend's win at Shrewsbury Town."

Stevenage FC added that Mr Gatfield was "involved in a tragic car accident on the way home from the game along with another Stevenage fan, Liam Sharpe, who remains in a coma at hospital.

"The thoughts of everyone connected to Stevenage are with Ollie and Liam's families and loved ones at this incredibly sad time."

As a tribute to Ollie's life, the club are asking both Stevenage and Barnsley supporters to join in with a minute's applause before Saturday's game. 

A shocked community has paid tribute to Mr Gatfield, and his friend Mr Sharpe who was injured, by placing an ever-growing number of flowers, cards and heartfelt messages at the scene in the victims' honour. A Stevenage shirt and an ensign flag was also laid at the site.

If anyone has any information about the accident Herts Police are requesting that any eye-witnesses call the non-emergency number 101, quoting ISR 670 of 13 January, 2024.

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