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."