The police investigation surrounding the death of former Arsenal academy player Billy Vigar remains active, a coroner’s court has learned.
Pre-Inquest Review and Police Timeline
Acting Detective Sergeant Colin Chandler of the Metropolitan Police stated during a pre-inquest review hearing that his team would likely need an additional two to three months to complete the inquiry. He did not disclose specific lines of investigation being pursued. The Metropolitan Police were approached for comment by BBC Sport.
Vigar passed away in September 2025 due to a severe brain injury, five days after crashing into a concrete wall bordering the pitch during a match for Chichester City at Wingate and Finchley’s stadium. The hearing at Barnet Coroner’s Court on Thursday was attended by Vigar’s parents, Keith and Camilla, along with delegates from the Football Association (FA) and Barnet Council. Adam White, representing the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), and former Bath City player Alex Fletcher—who suffered a fractured skull from a concrete barrier collision near his club’s pitch in 2022—were also present.
Family Criticisms and Legal Concerns
Speaking to BBC Sport on the one-year anniversary of the tragedy, Keith and Camilla Vigar asserted that the FA possessed ample warnings to prevent their son’s death. During the court session, Camilla Vigar questioned senior coroner Andrew Walker regarding the FA’s inaction prior to the incident, noting previous tragedies and high-risk classifications. She mentioned the death of Ben Hiscox in 2015 and Fletcher’s 2022 accident, pointing out that a subsequent investigation flagged roughly 160 high-risk clubs, including Wingate, yet no preventive measures were taken.
Keith Vigar raised concerns during the proceeding regarding the local authority’s involvement, questioning why Barnet Council was not designated as an interested party. He expressed skepticism over the investigation conducted at the Wingate and Finchley stadium, describing it as a potential conflict of interest since Barnet served as the local authority that reviewed the club.
An upcoming hearing has been officially set for February 10.
