Three teenagers have appeared in court charged with the murder of a 49-year-old man on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent. The defendants, a 16-year-old girl and two boys aged 14 and 15, are accused of killing Alexander Cashford in Leysdown-on-Sea on Sunday evening.
Police were called to Warden Bay Road shortly after 7pm following reports of a disturbance involving a small number of people. Officers and paramedics from the South East Coast Ambulance Service attended, but Mr Cashford was pronounced dead at the scene. He had sustained multiple injuries, the court heard.
The three teenagers, all from London, are believed to have been on holiday in the area at the time. They appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, accompanied by their parents. During the hearing, the prosecution alleged that the attack involved a glass bottle and rocks being thrown. The 16-year-old girl and 14-year-old boy cried, while the 15-year-old boy looked at the floor, rocking slightly.
The youths, who cannot be named due to their ages, were remanded into youth detention accommodation. They are due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday. A 12-year-old girl arrested in Basildon, Essex, on Tuesday remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Detectives have appealed for any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police to come forward. Local residents described the incident as shocking, noting that such events are rare in the area.
