Elderly angler dies after altercation in the grounds of Lullingstone Castle

Police at the castle - Yui Mok/PA
Police at the castle - Yui Mok/PA

An elderly angler has died after an altercation with two people at a medieval castle.

Police believe the man in his 60s may have been involved in a confrontation with two boys or teenagers near to a lake within the grounds of Lullingstone Castle prior to his death yesterday afternoon.

Police initially said that it was reported that rocks were being thrown.

The victim has not yet been identified but is believed to be one of three brothers who were fishing on the lake.

Joggers and walkers accustomed to enjoying the countryside around the castle in Eynsford, Kent, instead found large areas cordoned off on Friday morning as detectives carried out investigations.

The entrance to Lullingstone Castle remains taped off by police.

Lullingstone Castle - Paul Grover
Lullingstone Castle - Paul Grover

One woman who walks her dog past the castle every day said: "I've been told by someone who lives in the castle it was an angler there who was killed.

"She seems to think there were three brothers fishing on the lake there and stones were being thrown at them. It's shocking.

Lullingstone Castle is a 15th century manor house which overlooks a stunning 15-acre lake and has been home to the same family since it was built.

Its extensive grounds have been visited by royalty including Henry VIII and Queen Anne.

It has been featured in TV series as well as being popular walking spot with local residents.

But there have been concerns in the community over anti-social behaviour in surrounding villages and a lack of police presence.

Writing to local Tory MP Laura Trott on her Facebook page, Stephen Jury said: "Something needs to be done!

"The level of anti-social behaviour in and around the villages has become a joke and there isn't a policeman in sight until it is too late!

"There have been several instances over the last week or so.

"Why does it take the death of an innocent man for something to be done? I just feel for that poor man's family but something like this was coming!"

Ms Trott, who became MP for Sevenoaks in December's election, said: "All our thoughts go to the victim's family and loved ones at this time.

"I am speaking with the police and the local councillors this morning and I will raise your concerns regarding rising anti-social behaviour as a matter of urgency.

"This is something a few constituents have also emailed me about and I am very concerned by the reports."

She called for anyone with information to get in touch with police urgently.

Lullingstone Castle officials declined to comment on the ongoing situation.

The castle is shut - Yui Mok/PA
The castle is shut - Yui Mok/PA

Lullingstone Castle has been the seat of the Hart-Dyke family since 1361, but over the years its 10,000 acres of prime Kent parkland have been whittled to 142 and the house opened to paying visitors.

The castle, which opens for three days per week during spring to autumn, has shut due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate are appealing for information as they investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in Eynsford.

In a statement, they said: “Kent Police was called at 5.21pm on Thursday 28 May 2020 to reports of a disturbance in the grounds of Lullingstone Castle.

“Officers and South East Coast Ambulance Service attended and a man in his 60s was pronounced dead at the scene.

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

“Investigators are appealing for information from anybody who was in the area, including dog walkers, anglers and golfers, who witnessed the incident or saw two young people in the vicinity of the lake between 12pm and 7pm.

“They are also keen to obtain video footage from any vehicles that travelled along Castle Road or Shoreham Road, and any cyclists or joggers in the area between these times.”