A 16-year-old girl and two boys face court after a
49-year-old man was killed in a seaside town assault.
Leysdown-on-Sea, Kent — Three children have been
charged with the murder of 49-year-old Alexander Cashford, who was found dead
following a violent disturbance in the seaside town on Sunday evening.
Kent Police have confirmed that a 16-year-old girl,
along with two boys aged 14 and 15, have been charged with the murder of
Alexander Cashford. The trio, all from London, are accused under joint venture
laws after Mr Cashford was found fatally injured in Leysdown-on-Sea on the Isle
of Sheppey.
The incident unfolded on Sunday at approximately
19:00 BST in the Warden Bay Road area, near Jetty Road, following what police
describe as a disturbance involving a small group of people. Emergency services
were called, but despite their efforts, Mr Cashford was pronounced dead at the
scene.
According to a police spokesperson, the 49-year-old
victim sustained “multiple injuries” during the assault. A vehicle has been
seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
A 12-year-old girl from Basildon, Essex, was also
arrested on Tuesday in connection with the case. She remains in custody while
inquiries continue, but she has not been charged.
Due to their ages, none of the charged minors can
be identified under UK law. All three have been remanded in custody and are
scheduled to appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Kent Police have issued a renewed appeal for
witnesses. “We would like to hear from anyone who was in the Warden Bay Road
area on Sunday evening and who may have information, CCTV or dashcam footage,”
the force said.
The local community has reacted with shock and
sadness. Kevin McKenna, MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, expressed his
condolences, saying he was “deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic
incident.”
Officers are working to establish the sequence of
events leading to Mr Cashford’s death and the possible involvement of each
suspect.
The seaside town of Leysdown-on-Sea, known for its
beach tourism, is now the focus of a major murder investigation involving one
of the youngest groups of alleged perpetrators seen in recent years in Kent.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Kent
Police directly or to report anonymously via Crimestoppers.