Three children in court accused of man's murder

Alexander Cashford, 49, was pronounced dead at the scene in Leysdown-on-Sea in Kent

Three children have appeared in court after being charged with a man's murder on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent.

A 16-year-old girl and two boys, aged 14 and 15, appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court after being charged on Tuesday.

They spoke only to confirm their names, addresses and date of birth. The trio have been remanded in youth detention and will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday.

Alexander Cashford, 49, from Kent, was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

A 12-year-old girl was also arrested in Basildon, Essex, on Tuesday in connection with the incident and remains in custody.

The children, who are all from London, have been charged with murder by joint venture.

They cannot legally be named due to their age.

Kent Police said it was continuing to appeal for any witnesses to come forward

Police said Mr Cashford was assaulted following a disturbance involving a small group of people in the Warden Bay Road area, close to Jetty Road, at 19:00 BST on Sunday.

He sustained "multiple injuries" to his body, a police spokesperson added.

A car was seized by officers as part of the investigation.

Kevin McKenna, MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, previously said he was "deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic incident".

Kent Police said it was continuing to appeal for any witnesses to come forward.

Anyone who has information or who has CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact the force.