Tributes to fisherman killed after ‘confrontation with poachers’ at medieval castle in Kent

Tributes have been paid to a man in his 60s who was killed following a “disturbance” at a medieval castle in Kent.

The victim, named locally as Charles Hilder, died in the grounds of Lullingstone Castle on Thursday evening.

Police said Mr Hilder “may have been involved in an altercation with two boys or teenagers near to a lake within the grounds, prior to his death”.

Rocks were reportedly thrown during the incident, a police spokesman said.

Local fishing group the Kingfisher Angling and Preservation Society shared their grief at the loss of their friend.

A statement on the group’s website read: “The Society has been shocked and greatly saddened to hear of the death of Mr Charles Hilder.

“Although the exact circumstances surrounding Charlie’s death are unclear we believe that Charlie died after a confrontation with poachers.

“At this stage we would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Charlie’s family and friends.”

Officers and paramedics were called to the grounds at 5.21pm on Thursday and a man later died at the scene, Kent Police said.

The force added: “Investigators 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 in the vicinity of the lake between 12pm and 7pm.”

Detectives have so far declined to publicly declare a murder investigation.

Police are keen to get hold of any footage that might help them establish what happened.

They are asking for footage from any vehicles that travelled along Castle Road or Shoreham Road, and any cyclists or joggers in the area between 12pm and 7pm on Thursday.

Large parts of the historic grounds at the castle remained cordoned off and under police guard on Friday.

Police forensic officers were seen gathering evidence in the estate’s 15-acre lake, as well as a silver Volvo car behind the cordon.

Formal identification by police and a post-mortem examination are yet to take place.

The cause of death has not yet been established.

Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 28-1127.​

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Man in 60s died at medieval Kent castle 'after altercation with boys'