Public thanked for footage as hunt for teens following death at Lullingstone Castle continues
08:29, 10 June 2020
updated: 10:29, 10 June 2020
Detectives investigating the death of a father at an historic castle, following a rock-throwing incident, have thanked people for coming forward with information.
However, they are still asking anyone with evidence to come forward and help the investigation after Charlie Hilder died at Lullingstone Castle, Eynsford, near Dartford, on Thursday, May 28.
A post-mortem into the 66-year-old's death last week revealed he died from a heart attack.
Police are still continuing to look for two young boys they want to speak to about the incident, and have said many people have come forward with information and video, including some drone footage.
DCI Ivan Beasley said: "We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Hilder’s death and I would like to thank all those who have contacted us so far, with information.
"It remains very important to identify anyone else who was in the area, who we have yet to speak to, and who may have witnessed the incident or saw two young people in the vicinity of the lake.
"Please don’t hesitate to call us. Any information, no matter how small, may prove crucial to our investigation."
It's alleged he was involved in an altercation with two boys near a lake in the grounds just before his death, during which items believed to be rocks were thrown towards Mr Hilder.
Several minutes later a further verbal argument took place between the boys and Mr Hilder in a car park, which is by the lake and near the castle gate.
After the boys had left, at around 5.50pm Mr Hilder collapsed and later died.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation should call 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 here or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by completing an online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.