Trio released without charge after man dies following collapse outside Saga party at Leas Cliff Hall in Folkestone
The man was turned away
from a Christmas party at the Leas Cliff Hall
by Samantha Williams
Three people arrested after the death of a man outside the Saga
Christmas party have been released without charge.
The man, an employee of the over-50s travel
firm, collapsed after being turned away from the Leas Cliff
Hall in Folkestone on Thursday evening. He was taken to hospital
but pronounced dead.
It was reported that he had been restrained and ejected by
door staff after trying to re-join the party when he went outside
for a cigarette.
Three men held in connection with the incident have now
been released without charge.
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, cancelled
its final Christmas party on Friday night "as a mark of
respect".
Police officers were called to the Leas Cliff Hall
at just before 9.50pm on Thursday.
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.
Paul Green, from Saga, said: "We are greatly saddened by
the loss of a valued colleague. Our sincere condolences and prayers
are with his family."
Saga had hosted a string of Christmas parties last week for its
3,000 staff members.
A Leas Cliff Hall spokesman said: "We can confirm that an
incident took place at a private party held by
Saga.
"The incident involved 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."
16/12/12
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