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Two teenagers arrested over Lullingstone Castle death have their bail extended

Two teenagers arrested following the death of a man at Lullingstone Castle have had their bail extended.

Police arrested the pair - aged 18 and 17- last month on suspicion of manslaughter after Charlie Hilder suffered a heart attack after rocks were thrown at him following a fishing trip in the grounds of the stately home in Eynsford, near Dartford.

Charles Hilder died just days after celebrating his 40th wedding anniversary
Charles Hilder died just days after celebrating his 40th wedding anniversary

The teens had been released on bail pending further investigation and were due to report back to officers today.

Police said this morning that bail has been extended for both suspects until September 24.

The arrests came after a raid at a property in the village of Keston, near Bromley.

Mr Hilder, 66, died on Thursday, May 28, just four days after celebrating his 40th wedding anniversary with wife Lynne, 62.

The heartbroken family of the keen angler made an emotional plea earlier this month for people to come forward with any information that could help police.

Police outside Lullingstone Castle grounds the day after the tragedy
Police outside Lullingstone Castle grounds the day after the tragedy

The father-of-five had been helping two secretaries of his angling club fill the water with lucrative rainbow trout but he had stayed behind to go out on his favourite boat and fish.

Youngest daughter Sascha, 26, had made him dinner and became concerned as hours passed and calls remained unanswered so she tracked his iPhone to find he was still at the castle.

The recruitment consultant raced down from the family home in Romford, east London, and was told by police at the scene her dad had died.

She said: "My heart just shattered."

Lynne said: "My husband was so caring and always had time for anyone. He lived his life looking after people. I lost him because he was so wonderful and doing what he loved - helping people."

Police forensic officers gather evidence in the grounds of Lullingstone Castle. Pic: Yui Mok/PA
Police forensic officers gather evidence in the grounds of Lullingstone Castle. Pic: Yui Mok/PA

The couple had five daughters - Gemma, 36, Claire, 35, Stephanie, 31, Chloe, 27, and Sascha.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation should call police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 28-1127, or call Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Any video footage can be sent to the Kent Police section of the Major Incident Public Reporting Site: https://mipp.police.uk/

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