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Tributes to Michael McDonagh after suspected murder at Camber Sands holiday park

10:40, 07 August 2022

updated: 10:43, 07 August 2022

A man who died in a suspected murder at a holiday park has been named in tributes as Michael McDonagh.

Six people were arrested after the 58-year-old dad died at the site in Camber Sands on Friday night.

Michael McDonagh died at the Parkdean Resorts site in Camber Sands. Pic: Facebook
Michael McDonagh died at the Parkdean Resorts site in Camber Sands. Pic: Facebook

His death has sparked an outpouring of grief, with friends and family taking to social media to pay tribute.

One family member posted: "Our hearts are broken. You will forever be in our hearts - gone but not forgotten.

"My heart goes out to his lovely wife and children. Please god watch over them."

Another wrote: "Uncle Michael, you didn't deserve this. How can the world be so cruel. You will never be forgotten."

Guests at the Parkdean Resorts park - popular with Kent holidaymakers - reported seeing a man tackled to the ground after an argument broke out following the end of Crystal Palace vs Arsenal in the opening match of the Premier League season.

Sussex Police and forensics officers then "swarmed" the resort late on Friday night, The Sun reported.

Police were called to Parkdean Resort in Camber Sands, Sussex. Picture: Google
Police were called to Parkdean Resort in Camber Sands, Sussex. Picture: Google

A spokesman for the force said yesterday: “Police have arrested six people on suspicion of murder following the death of a man at a holiday park in Lydd Road, Camber Sands, in the early hours of Saturday morning (August 6).

“Emergency services were called at around 10.50pm on Friday (August 5) to reports of an altercation involving a group of people.

“Despite the best efforts of paramedics, a 58-year-old man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene shortly after midnight. His next of kin have been informed.

“Six people have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody at this time.

Detective Chief Inspector Emma Vickers, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, added: “Our investigation is at a very early stage, but I would like to reassure the public that this appears to be an isolated incident with no wider risk of harm.

“Officers are now working to establish the full circumstances while the victim’s next of kin are supported by specialist officers.”

Michael McDonagh died at the Parkdean Resorts site in Camber Sands. Pic: Facebook
Michael McDonagh died at the Parkdean Resorts site in Camber Sands. Pic: Facebook

Parkdean, which runs the resort, told people at the site a "serious incident" had taken place and a "live police investigation" was active.

The message, which was sent out to customers, said: “We would like to make you aware that last night a serious incident occurred within our complex area.

"As this is a live police investigation our team is doing everything they can to assist their enquiries.

"Please be aware they cannot comment on this incident."

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