Lullingstone Castle: Man dies following disturbance near lake

The castle has been closed to the public due to the Covid-19 pandemic

A man who died in the grounds of a castle may have been involved in an altercation with two boys or teenagers near its lake, police have said.

Kent Police were called to Lullingstone Castle, Eynsford, at 17:21 BST on Thursday to reports of a disturbance.

A man in his 60s was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

The circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated, and reports of rocks being thrown have not been confirmed by officers.

Police 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 near the lake between 12:00 and 19:00.

They have also asked for any video footage from vehicles that were in Castle Road or Shoreham Road, and help from cyclists or joggers who were in the area.

'Something needs doing'

People living in the area say they have complained about anti-social behaviour.

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.

"There have been several instances over the last week or so," he wrote, adding: "I just feel for that poor man's family but something like this was coming."

Police are appealing for anyone who saw two young people in the vicinity of the lake

The castle, which opens for three days each week from spring to autumn, is closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The estate, near the Brands Hatch racing circuit, has been owned by members of the Hart Dyke family since the 15th Century.

It was built in 1497 and features a 15-acre lake and several gardens, including the World Garden.

The current heir Tom Hart Dyke is a cousin of the comedy actor Miranda Hart.

It is understood none of the family was hurt in the incident.

There has been no comment from anyone at the castle.