TRAGEDY struck at a football match in Bow on Saturday as a young player collapsed and later died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

The player, named locally as Nick Cole who was in his mid-20s, was playing for Bow AAC in their home match against Thorverton. Having come off the field of play, the player later collapsed, and is thought to have suffered a heart attack.

He was given CPR and the Devon Air Ambulance was called. He was flown to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, but died shortly after arrival.

Devon and Exeter Football League chairman Roger Spray expressed his shock at the incident.

He said: 'The league, including its management, players and everyone involved, sends their sincere condolences to the family and everyone at Bow AAC.

'I have spoken to the club chairman and passed on our condolences during this very sad and difficult time.

'When things like this happen within football, or anywhere, it is tragic.

'For us as a league it is difficult and very saddening. It affects everyone in the league, and is a very sad event.

'In my time involved with the league, we have never had an incident like this before.

'I sincerely hope we never do again, as it is a tragedy.'

A statement on the league website said: 'Despite the efforts of the paramedics and the air ambulance the player involved failed to recover.

'The match was abandoned after around 80 minutes with the score at 2-2.

'The league management and players wish to send their deepest condolences to the Bow club, but notably to the family and friends of the player involved.'

In a later statement, the league thanked people for their tributes on social media.

It read: 'The league have their monthly management meeting this week, and have already asked to thank all the clubs and players who have taken time out to send their sympathy messages.

'Much criticism is often levelled at social media, but it has proved to be a real asset for contributors who have been so quick to pay their respects.'

The tragedy is reminiscent of that of a Devon football cup final in March 2012, where 47-year-old Chris Ralph collapsed on the pitch while representing Chagford FC against Topsham Town in the Devon Veterans' Cup Final.