A MAN who died after falling ill in police custody was well loved at Worcester City Football Club for leading the crowd in song.

Colin Ranford, aged 51, of Leabank Drive, Northwick, Worcester, died at Walsgrave Hospital in Coventry on Wednesday.

He was well known on the terraces at St George’s Lane as a passionate fan.

Mr Ranford’s mother, who does not wish to be named, said: “Colin was a very loving son, brother and uncle.

“His greatest passion was Worcester City Football Club.

“He was often on the terraces, cheering them on, where he was known as ‘Colin the Singer’.”

Colin Layland, a director of Worcester City Club, said: “Colin was a regular at the ground and he was always singing the club on. He was always the one to start singing and he really will be missed on that front.

“You could always tell when he wasn’t there because you couldn’t hear him singing.

“He was a real character at the club and will be sorely missed.”

Mr Layland said there will be a minute’s silence held in memory of Mr Ranford at Worcester City’s next home game against Eastwood Town on Saturday, April 23.

Katie Holloway, supervisor at the New Inn in Ombersley Road, Worcester, said everyone in the pub knew Mr Ranford and were all devastated by his death.

She said: “He was a really friendly man and a really happy guy.

“We always used to have a laugh, always joking about the football.

“He will be sadly missed, it’s a shame what’s happened to him, very devastating. Our condolences go out to his family.”

As we reported this week, Mr Ranford was arrested in Southall Avenue, off Ombersley Road, at about 9.10pm on Monday following calls to police and ambulance crews.

Concerns had been raised about his welfare after he appeared drunk. He was arrested and taken into custody at Castle Street police station.

Paramedics were called at about 1.30am on Tuesday after he fell ill and he was taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital before being transferred for treatment at Walsgrave Hospital in a critical condition.

West Mercia Police has informed the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) regarding the incident as is a matter of course in such cases.