Drone footage could provide vital evidence after death of man at Lullingstone near Eynsford

Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate are continuing to appeal for witnesses as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a man near Eynsford.

Officers would also like to speak to the owner of a drone that was believed to be flying in the area, particularly in the lake area of Lullingstone Castle (seen on the right of this picture), at the time of the incident and may have important video footage.

Kent Police was called at 5.21pm on Thursday 28 May 2020 to reports of a disturbance in the grounds of the Castle.

Officers and South East Coast Ambulance Service attended and 66-year-old Charlie Hilder from Romford, Essex was pronounced dead at the scene.

It is reported he may have been involved in an altercation with two boys or teenagers near to the lake within the grounds, prior to his death.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Gavin Moss said: “We continue to appeal for information from anybody who witnessed the incident or saw two young people in the vicinity of the lake between 12pm and 7pm. One of them may have been carrying a fishing rod.

“There were lots of people in the area including cyclists, joggers, dog walkers, anglers and golfers. Some will have taken photographs or videos that may assist us with our enquiries and we are particularly keen to speak to anybody who was near the gatehouse on the estate or in a car park next to the lake.

“We have also been told a drone was flying at the relevant time and we would like to trace the owner to identify whether it recorded any images.’

Detectives are also keen to obtain dashcam footage from any vehicles that travelled along Castle Road or Shoreham Road between 12pm and 7pm.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation should call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 28-1127.

Anybody with video footage can make a report through the Kent Police section of the Major Incident Public Reporting Site: https://mipp.police.uk/

You can also contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by completing an online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org