Three people have been arrested on suspicion of fraud offences relating to fundraising connected with the death of a local footballer. 

Staffordshire Police officers were alerted to the possible fraud after a fundraiser was held on 25 May this year, with organisers pledging the money would go to the family of 25-year-old Jaycee Roberts, who died from skin cancer in March. 

Jaycee, from Stoke-on-Trent, played football for Bradwell FC in Staffordshire and was offered a scholarship to play in California before serious injury prevented him going. He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of skin cancer in October 2022 and died on 31 March 2025. r. 

Following his death, a legitimate fundraising page was created by the family, in memory of Jaycee. 

Later, a separate alleged fundraiser was created, with an event held on 25 May. 

Staffordshire Police have said that this event, and separate fundraising page, is understood to have raised between £2,000 and £4,200, pledged for the family. 

The alleged fraud was reported to Staffordshire Police in September when the family had not received any funds from the separate fundraising page and event. 

In the last week, three people have been arrested. 

A 36-year-old woman, from Stoke-on-Trent, was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation. 

A 27-year-old man, also from Stoke-on-Trent, was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and conspiracy to defraud. 

And a 36-year-old man, from Stoke-on-Trent, was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation 

They have each been placed on conditional police bail while our inquiries continue. 

Detective Constable David Stubbs, who is investigating, said: "We are working at pace to carry out inquiries in relation to this matter and are keen to speak to anyone who may have relevant information relating to the alleged fundraising activities. 

"Since our investigation began, some funds have now been received by the family, but we are keen to try and identify how much money was raised and how much of the funds are still missing. 

"I would like to thank Jaycee's family for coming forward in reporting this to us and reassure them that we are doing all we can to investigate this." 

The family has asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.