A promising young cricketer was celebrating New Year with friends in Scotland when he died.

The body of Sussex fast bowler Matt Hobden was discovered by police at a property in Forres, near Elgin, on Saturday.

Officers are investigating the 22-year-old's death but there are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances.

Mr 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."

A number of senior players and coaches have paid tribute to Mr Hobden since his death was announced at the weekend.

Sussex coach Mark Davis gave his players the week off to come to terms with the death.