A Nigerian footballer, Odichukumma Kelvin Igweani, has been shot dead in Britain after allegedly killing a neighbour and holding a boy hostage.
The 24-year-old footballer was believed to have killed the neighbour when he rushed to save a toddler he could hear screaming for his life.
The neighbour, identified as Richard Woodcock, 38, was found lying on the floor lifeless when officers stormed a first-floor flat in Milton Keynes, Bucks, on June 26.
Reports indicated that police first attempted to stun the footballer with a taser, but when that failed and he continued to pose a threat to his hostage toddler, police shot him four times.
Officers found Igweani holding the seriously injured two-year-old boy captive in the bedroom.
Igweani, known as Kelvin, was pronounced dead at the scene and Mr Woodcock died of head injuries.
Mr Woodcock’s devastated wife and family paid an emotional tribute to him.
In a statement, his family said: “We have always been so proud of Richard and everything that he has achieved in life.
“We are devastated that Richard has been taken from us in such circumstances but we are also so immensely proud of the sacrifice that he has made to try and save a little boy’s life.
“His actions on Saturday morning were the type of man he was and that is how we would like him remembered.
“A lot of people loved Richard, probably more than he ever realised, and he will be a huge loss to all of his friends, family and work colleagues.”
His wife, who has not been named, said: “Richard, it has been a blessing to share my life with you, my dearest friend, my biggest love, my soul mate. My kind, generous, funny, clever, cheeky husband.
“Thank you for loving me and being the best father to our children. I’ll love you and cherish our time together forever.”
The rescued toddler is still fighting for his life in hospital.
