Matthew Hobden: Sussex cricketer was celebrating New Year with friends when he died, say family

The 22-year-old was discovered on Saturday by Police Scotland officers near Inverness

Hobden took part in the Potential England Performance Programme this winter

Sussex cricketer Matt Hobden's family have said the 22-year-old had been celebrating New Year with friends in Scotland when he died.

Hobden's body was discovered on Saturday by Police Scotland officers at a property in Forres, near Inverness.

Officers are continuing to investigate the death but said there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.

England cricketers in South Africa wore black armbands in Hobden's honour (Getty) (Getty Images)

Hobden was seen as a promising cricketer and was one of six fast bowlers chosen to take part in the Potential England Performance Programme this winter.

The group were due to spend time in Johannesburg alongside the senior England side, helping with preparations for the one-day international series against South Africa.

In a statement released through Police Scotland, his family said: "We are deeply saddened by the sudden death of Matthew who had been celebrating the new year with friends in the Forres area.

"We now ask that we are left alone to deal with the tragic circumstances that have unfolded and are allowed to grieve in private at this difficult time."

Sussex players have been given the week off by coach Mark Davis as the county comes to terms with the incident.

Press Association