Police investigating the death of pensioner castle grounds near Dartford want to speak to the owner of a drone believed to be flying in the area.

Charles Hilder, 66, from Romford, died at Lullingstone Castle on Thursday following reports that he may have been involved in an altercation with two boys or teenagers near to a lake at around 5pm.

Officers are continuing to appeal for any witnesses to come forward, particularly the drone pilot, who may have important footage.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Gavin Moss said: "We continue to appeal for information from anybody who witnessed the incident or saw two young people in the vicinity of the lake between 12pm and 7pm.

"One of them may have been carrying a fishing rod.

“There were lots of people in the area including cyclists, joggers, dog walkers, anglers and golfers.

“Some will have taken photographs or videos that may assist us with our enquiries and we are particularly keen to speak to anybody who was near the gatehouse on the estate or in a car park next to the lake.

“We have also been told a drone was flying at the relevant time and we would like to trace the owner to identify whether it recorded any images.”

A spokesman said on Thursday night: "It was reported that rocks were being thrown."

Formal identification by police and a post-mortem examination are yet to take place.

The cause of death has not yet been established.

Detectives are also keen to obtain dashcam footage from any vehicles that travelled along Castle Road or Shoreham Road between 12pm and 7pm.

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: https://mipp.police.uk/

You can also contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by completing an online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org