Police probe death at castle amid fears that ‘something like this was coming’

The ‘stoning’ incident at Lullingstone Castle in Kent came after local residents expressed concerns over anti-social behaviour.

Police are probing the death of a man in a possible stoning attack at a medieval castle.

The incident at Lullingstone Castle in Kent came after local residents expressed concerns over anti-social behaviour, with one saying: “Something like this was coming.”

Joggers and walkers accustomed to enjoying the countryside around the castle in Eynsford instead found large areas cordoned off on Friday morning as detectives carried out investigations.

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

A spokesman said: “It was reported that rocks were being thrown.”

The victim has not yet been identified.

Lullingstone Castle is a 15th century manor house which overlooks a stunning 15-acre lake and has been home to the same family since it was built.

Its extensive grounds have been visited by royalty including Henry VIII and Queen Anne.

It has been featured in TV series as well as being popular walking spot with local residents.

But there have been concerns in the community over anti-social behaviour in surrounding villages and a lack of police presence.

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 and there isn’t a policeman in sight until it is too late!

“There have been several instances over the last week or so.

“Why does it take the death of an innocent man for something to be done? I just feel for that poor man’s family but something like this was coming!”

Ms Trott, who became MP for Sevenoaks in December’s election, said: “All our thoughts go to the victim’s family and loved ones at this time.

“I am speaking with the police and the local councillors this morning and I will raise your concerns regarding rising anti-social behaviour as a matter of urgency.

“This is something a few constituents have also emailed me about and I am very concerned by the reports.”

She called for anyone with information to get in touch with police urgently.

Lullingstone Castle officials declined to comment on the ongoing situation.