Police 'probing if another person was involved in George Baldock's death' as key item found next to swimming pool

Greek police are reportedly investigating whether another person was involved in the death of former Premier League footballer George Baldock.

Panathinaikos defender Baldock was found dead in a swimming pool at his home in Glyfada near Athens on Wednesday night at the age of 31.

The full-back, who joined Panathinaikos from Sheffield United this summer, was found at the bottom of the pool by his landlord who jumped over a fence to get into the home, according to local reports.

Concerns were raised when Baldock's wife, who was in England at the time, was unable to contact him after several hours without a response, The Sun have reported.

After failing to contact him, she then told the owner of the house to check the property, where he was found in the pool.

Baldock was pulled out of the water by emergency services, who unsuccessfully tried to resuscitate him.

A doctor who was part of the response unit then confirmed that he had tragically died.

A post-mortem into Baldock's death was conducted in Greece on Thursday and Greek outlet Kathimerini report that a medical examiner has given his cause of death as 'drowning in water'.

As well as the post-mortem examination, a toxicology report has also be conducted, which it is said will take 'several days' to come back.

Baldock has tragically died at the age of 31 (Image: Getty)

The Sun, citing Greek media sources, claim a half-empty bottle of vodka was found next to the swimming pool along with two glasses.

After finding the glasses, Greek police are now said to be investigating whether there was anyone other than Baldock present at the scene at the time of his death.

It has been reported that CCTV from the entrance to his house is being examined to ensure that nobody else arrived or left the property around the time of his death.

A statement from Greece's Ministry of Citizen Protection read: "A preliminary investigation has been carried out by the Attica Security Directorate.

"A forensic pathologist was called to the scene and examined the body with no evidence of criminal activity.

"In addition, the police searched the house to determine if there are any traces of a burglary, with a negative result.

"Also, a specialised team of the Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Police carried out a check at the house in order to exclude the possibility of criminal activity."

Baldock's family released a short statement on Thursday confirming the footballer's death while asking for privacy.

"We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss. We ask please that the media respect our privacy at this time," read the statement.

Baldock only joined Panathinaikos this summer from Sheffield United, following the Yorkshire club's relegation from the Premier League last season.

Tributes have poured in for Baldock (Image: Getty)

He had spent seven years with the Blades between 2017 and 2024, having previously also represented MK Dons, Northampton and Oxford United among other clubs.

Tributes have poured in for the Greece international following the tragic news of his death.

"The entire Super League football family expresses its deep sorrow for the untimely loss of Panathinaikos and our national team footballer, George Baldock, and extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones," read a statement from the Greek Super League.

Panathinaikos blacked out their profile picture on X and Instagram in the wake of the news, while his former club Sheffield United issued a statement expressing condolences to his family and friends.

"Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock," read a club statement.

"The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on a red and white shirt alongside him.

"The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George's family and friends."

England and Greece will wear black armbands when the two teams meet in the Nations League at Wembley on Thursday, with UEFA deciding that the match would go ahead as planned.

Topics: Sheffield United, Premier League, Football