Trio arrested over death of man after collapsing at Saga Christmas party in Folkestone
The man was turned away
from a Christmas party at the Leas Cliff Hall
by Samantha Williams
Three people have been arrested after the death of
a man said to have been assaulted outside the Saga
Christmas party last night.
The man, an employee of the over-50s travel
firm, collapsed after being turned away from the Leas Cliff
Hall in Folkestone.
He had been restrained and ejected by door staff after
trying to re-join the party when he went outside for a
cigarette.
Kent Police said three men are being held in
connection with the incident.
A spokesman for Saga, the Folkestone-based firm that also
specialises in insurance and finance, said the company was "deeply
saddened" by the death of a "valued colleague".
The firm, whose headquarters is pictured below, has
cancelled its final Christmas party tonight "as a mark of
respect".
Police officers were called to Leas Cliff Hall at
just before 9.50pm.
It had been reported a man, who was asked to
leave the Saga party, had been assaulted as he attempted to
re-enter the entertainment venue.
Witnesses said he had gone outside for a cigarette when the row
broke out and he was refused entry.
The man was restrained and ejected by the door staff,
employed for the event.
When police arrived, they found the man "unresponsive".
He was taken by ambulance to the William Harvey Hospital,
in Ashford, where he was pronounced dead.
A Kent Police spokesman said: "Officers are currently
investigating the circumstances surrounding the death and have
arrested three men in connection with this incident."
Paul Green, from Saga, said: "There was a tragic incident
involving a member of staff outside the Leas Cliff Hall last
night.
"We are greatly saddened by the loss of a valued colleague. Our
sincere condolences and prayers are with his family."
Saga has hosted a string of Christmas parties this week for its
3,000 staff members.
The final celebration was due to be held in Hastings
tonight.
Mr Green added: "This has now been cancelled as a mark of
respect."
A Leas Cliff Hall spokesman said: "We can confirm that an
incident took place last night at a private party held by Saga,
involving one of their guests and security, who were external
contractors they had hired for the event.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and are doing everything
to assist the police with their enquiries.
"We offer our heartfelt condolences to the gentleman's family
and friends at this difficult time."
14/12/12
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