A man in his 80s was found dead in a countryside lake, police have confirmed.

He is the fifth person to die at Leybourne Lakes in the last 11 years.

His body was pulled from the lakes in New Hythe, near Aylesford, this morning, as police investigated a report of a missing person.

WATCH: Police at the scene this morning

Locals have now criticised safety measures at the lake, where divers and a police helicopter were spotted from 8.30am this morning.

The deceased's next of kin have been informed. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

Yvonne Parker-Meekums lives in nearby Perch Close.

She said: "People can go straight down there and go straight in the lake without any hesitation. I think it should be barred for safety's sake.

"Any child can run along and jump in. It's very deep out there."

Police say they were called to today's incident in connection with a missing person.

Ms Parker-Meekums added: "I feel very sorry because it's another death. That's the fifth I've known of since I've lived here and that's five too many.

Gallery1

"I'm disabled, I can't walk or anything like that but I do try and look out for people, because I think it's right that you should."

In 2017 the body of Frank Gore was found in woodland near Leybourne Lakes. An inquest heard he slipped and drowned while looking for a shortcut through woodland.

Paul Gallihawk, 34, drowned at the lakes in 2015 while taking part in a triathlon.

Teenager Brian Anderson was found dead at the lakes in 2008. He was 19.

His partner Darelle Anderson, who was known as Dee, died in the same spot a few weeks later.

If you are struggling, call Samaritans on 116 123.