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Angela Rayner looks ashen-faced as she heads to Anfield after Diogo Jota death

The deputy prime minister headed to Anfield after news of the Liverpool player's death broke - and was seen laying flowers in his honour

[Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, arriving at Anfield ]

Angela Rayner was seen carrying flowers to Anfield(Image: PA)

Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has been pictured heading to Anfield to pay tribute to Liverpool player Diogo Jota, whose death was announced this morning.

Jota, 28, was killed in a car accident in Spain in the early hours of the morning, along with his brother, Andre. He leaves behind a wife, Rute, and three children.

Rayner said she was incredibly saddened to hear the news of the Portuguese players death. She said: I was shocked and incredibly saddened to hear the heartbreaking news about Diogo Jota while here in this city. My thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends, and everyone at Liverpool Football Club.

The deputy prime minister was seen carrying a large flower arrangement to Anfield, where fans have been laying floral tributes and paying respects to Jota.

Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has also commented on the tragic news, stating: I am sure I speak for everyone in saying our first thoughts are going to be with his family and his friends in particular.

[The deputy prime minister laid a tribute to the football star]

The deputy prime minister laid a tribute to the football star

"There are millions of Liverpool fans but also football fans and non-fans who will also be shocked by this. It is devastating and really important we bear in mind just how difficult a period this will be for his friends and for his family."

The Spanish authorities confirmed that Jota and his brother were involved in a car accident in Zamora, Spain. Their Lamborghini left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking at 12.30am local time and caught fire.

Jota signed for Liverpool in 2020 from Wolves, and made 49 appearances for the senior Portuguese national team.

Liverpool FC issued a statement in which the club wrote: Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

[Diogo Jota]

Jota was just 28 years old at the time of his death

Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andres family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.

Portuguese prime minister Lus Montenegro said the news was unexpected and tragic. He added: "It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports.

Meanwhile, the Premier League said that football had "lost a champion who will forever be missed", writing on social media: "Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre.

"Our sincerest condolences go to Diogos family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time."

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