Police have reportedly ruled out three potential causes behind Michail Antonio’s frightening car crash as they continue their investigation into the incident.
The West Ham United star, 34, was forced to undergo surgery at a central London hospital on Sunday following the road traffic accident, which occurred on Saturday near Epping Forest in Theydon Bois, Essex.
Essex Police appealed to witnesses to come forward with any information about the crash as they attempt to piece together a timeline of events from their investigation.
According to The Sun, their progress so far has at least allowed officers working on the case to rule out three possible causes.
A source cited by the newspaper claimed that alcohol, drugs and another driver have been ruled out of the equation.
“Drink and drugs have already been ruled out, and officers are not currently looking for anyone else, » the source was quoted saying.
“There is no smoking gun as far as cops are concerned right now – but they have to investigate because the smash was so serious and caused such extensive injuries.
“Just because cops are involved doesn’t mean a crime has been committed. »
When approached for comment, an Essex Police spokesperson said their investigation is « ongoing », referring to the information set out in the statement as the most recent update.
Skid-marks appeared to indicate Antonio was driving uphill from Theydon Bois to Waltham Abbey, when his car slid off the road.
One theory floated suggested that the tricky road conditions, as a result of Storm Darragh arriving over the weekend, may have played a role in the crash as heavy rain fell in the area.
Images later surfaced on social media showing extensive damage to his wrecked Ferrari car, with the front of the Italian vehicle completely smashed in.
The report adds that the wrecked remains of Antonio’s vehicle have been contained inside a ‘tight-security lock-up’ in case investigators need to examine the damage sustained.
Antonio suffered a lower limb fracture in the accident and was left stranded inside the car for 45 minutes in a terrifying ordeal as firefighters cut him free.
He could face up to a year on the sidelines after going under the knife to tend to his injured leg.
The West Ham star’s team-mates paid tribute to the stricken forward by wearing ‘Antonio 9’ shirts when warming up for their Premier League game with Wolves on Monday, which they won 2-1 at the London Stadium.
Hammers coach Julen Lopetegui revealed the squad had spoken to Antonio in a video call from hospital but refused to put a timeline on his recovery.
« It has been very tough for all of us, but much more for him and his family, » he said. « Fortunately he was a miracle, looking at the pictures of the car.
« There are more important things: the dad, the brother, the son that he is. This is more important about Mic.
« We are happy because he has overcome the surgery. After, let’s see.
« We talked with him today. The most important thing is he was a miracle. »
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