The 66-year-old man who died following an alleged rock-throwing attack has been named.

Charles Hilder, an avid angler from Romford in Essex, died yesterday in the grounds of Lullingstone Castle, in Eynsford.

Devastated friends and family have paid tribute to the dad, including his daughter Stephanie.

Posting on Facebook, she said: "Last night our hearts broke to hear that our dad sadly passed away.

"Words can't explain how we are feeling at the moment. Sleep well Dad. Give everyone a hug from me."

Meanwhile, Kingfisher Angling and Preservation Society chairman, Mick Lee, also paid tribute to the 66-year-old.

He said: "The Society has been shocked and greatly saddened to hear of the death of Mr Charles Hilder.

"Although the exact circumstances surrounding Charlie’s death are unclear we believe that Charlie died after a confrontation with poachers.

"At this stage we would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Charlie’s family and friends."

Police stated earlier today that Mr Hilder may "have been involved in an altercation with two boys or teenagers near to a lake within in the grounds, prior to his death".

Large parts of the historic grounds at the castle remain cordoned off and under police guard as detectives continue to probe what happened.

Forensic officers have been seen gathering evidence in the estate’s 15-acre lake, as well as a silver Volvo car behind the cordon.

Police are keen to get hold of video that might help them track down any culprits or establish what happened.

They are asking for footage from any vehicles that travelled along Castle Road or Shoreham Road, and any cyclists or joggers in the area between 12pm and 7pm on Thursday.

Summer Smith works in the stables there, and said: "It's just a bit eerie coming up here now - it's a bad atmosphere really.

"It's just a horrible feeling to come up knowing that we all work here, we're here all the time and it's such a good environment and then for something like that to happen is just horrible."

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation should call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 28-1127.

Anybody with video footage can make a report through the Kent Police section of the Major Incident Public Reporting Site here: or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by completing an online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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