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Death of pensioner Charlie Hilder at Lullingstone Castle near Dartford suspects from Bromley have bail extended

By: Matt Leclere mleclere@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 15:53, 24 September 2020

Updated: 17:53, 24 September 2020

Teenagers arrested over the death of a pensioner in an alleged "rock-throwing" incident have had their bail extended for a second time.

Charlie Hilder died at Lullingstone Castle in Eynsford near Dartford in May just four days after celebrating his 40th wedding anniversary.

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

The two teens - aged 17 and 18 - arrested during a raid at a house in Keston, near Bromley about a month later were released on bail in June and again in July.

Police confirmed today the pair have had their bail extended again for three months.

An exact date of when they will have to answer has not been confirmed by Kent Police.

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Mr Hilder, 66, suffered a heart attack while on a fishing trip at the picturesque castle on May 27, which he frequently visited.

It was reported rocks were thrown at the grandfather, who had recently marked his wedding anniversary with wife Lynne, in the moments before his death.

Police outside Lullingstone Castle grounds the day after the tragedy. Picture: UKNiP

Mr Hilder's heartbroken family later issued a desperate appeal to help assist officers piece together what happened to cause his death.

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.

Recalling the moment officers told her the devastating news, she said: "My heart just shattered."

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Mr Hilder was described as "caring and always had time for anyone".

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

His wife, Lynne, said her husband lived his life by looking after people.

"I lost him because he was so wonderful and doing what he loved - helping people," she said.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation should call police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 28-1127, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Any video footage can be sent to the Kent Police section of the Major Incident Public Reporting Site here.

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford

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