Three teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man in his 40s was found dead in Leysdown-on-Sea, a small seaside village on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, on Sunday evening, August 10, 2025.
Driving the news:
Police were called to Warden Bay Road shortly after 7:00 pm BST following reports of an altercation involving a small group of people. According to Kent Police, emergency services—including officers and an air ambulance—responded rapidly to the scene, where they found a man with serious injuries. Despite efforts by paramedics and police personnel to resuscitate him, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.
State of play:
- Three teenagers—a 16-year-old girl and two boys aged 14 and 15—were arrested on suspicion of murder a short while after the incident. They remain in police custody as of August 11, 2025, pending further inquiries, according to statements from Kent Police.
- A police cordon was established in a large clearing behind the beach, in front of a caravan park, and a public footpath to the beach was sealed off to the public. On Monday, August 11, a police officer was seen standing guard at a fenced-off area near the beach as investigations continued.
- Specialist officers used a police dog at the crime scene to search for evidence, as reported by the BBC and supported by eyewitness accounts.
- The South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed it had been called to the scene, further underscoring the seriousness of the incident.
Why it matters:
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Leysdown-on-Sea community, a village with a population of just under 1,000 people. The area, known for its beach and caravan parks, is a popular destination for holidaymakers and typically experiences little violent crime. The death and subsequent arrests have left residents and visitors alike reeling, with many expressing disbelief that such violence could occur in their quiet seaside town.
What they're saying:
- Paul Bentley, a local resident, told the BBC: "The community is going to have to deal with this. This kind of thing just doesn't happen."
- Letitia Etherington, another community member, said: "It's just shocking. This is a predominantly quiet area."
- Anton Jasnu, a local shop owner, recounted: "I ran out from my shop when I saw someone receiving CPR on the beach of Leysdown-on-Sea."
- An eyewitness on holiday described the scene to the BBC: "I saw the helicopter landing and a lot of police personnel trying to resuscitate someone. That was about 19:30 on Sunday and now it is a crime scene."
- Kevin McKenna, MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey, expressed his reaction: "I am deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic incident."
Zoom in:
- Eyewitnesses reported that the area was busy with people enjoying the Sunday sunshine when the incident occurred. Approximately 100 bystanders were present as police and emergency services arrived, according to BBC reporting.
- Some locals initially mistook the helicopter for the coast guard, which is commonly seen in the area during the summer months.
- The crime scene was established quickly, with officers and a police dog searching for evidence well into Monday. The cordon disrupted access to the beach and surrounding paths, affecting both residents and holidaymakers.
Between the lines:
- Leysdown-on-Sea is situated on the north Kent coast and is known for its beachside attractions, drawing visitors from across the region. Violent incidents are rare in the village, making this case particularly unsettling for both locals and authorities.
- Community members have voiced concerns about the impact this event could have on the area's sense of safety and its reputation as a peaceful holiday destination.
By the numbers:
- 3 teenagers (a 16-year-old girl and two boys aged 14 and 15) arrested on suspicion of murder.
- 1 man in his 40s confirmed dead at the scene.
- Approximately 100 bystanders present as police arrived on Sunday evening.
- Leysdown-on-Sea has a population of just under 1,000 people.
How it works:
- The investigation is being led by Kent Police, who have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. Detectives have asked the public to contact them quoting reference 10-1384.
- Specialist forensic teams and police dogs have been deployed to search for evidence at the scene, and the cordon remains in place as of August 11, 2025.
- The three teenagers remain in custody and are being questioned as the investigation continues.
What to watch:
- Kent Police have emphasized the need for anyone with information, no matter how small, to assist with the investigation. The force is particularly interested in hearing from witnesses who may have been in the area at the time of the incident or who have relevant information about the altercation.
- The ongoing police presence and cordon are expected to remain in place while forensic teams continue their work. Updates on the investigation and potential charges are anticipated in the coming days.
The bottom line:
The fatal assault and subsequent arrest of three teenagers on suspicion of murder have left Leysdown-on-Sea reeling. As the investigation unfolds, the community is grappling with shock and sadness, while police work to piece together the events that led to this rare and tragic incident in the otherwise tranquil seaside village.