Three teenagers on holiday from London have been charged with murdering 49-year-old Alexander Cashford in a brutal beach attack on the Isle of Sheppey. The 16-year-old girl and two boys, aged 14 and 15, appeared in court today accused of killing the local man with rocks and a glass bottle in the seaside resort of Leysdown-on-Sea.
Kent Police were called to the Warden Bay Road area near Jetty Road shortly after 7pm on Sunday following reports of a violent altercation. Mr Cashford, from Kent, was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering multiple serious injuries to his body.
The three suspects were arrested shortly after the attack and charged with murder by joint venture on Tuesday. They appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court this afternoon, where two of the teenagers broke down in tears during the hearing.
Violent Beach Attack Shocks Quiet Resort
Prosecutor Dylan Bradshaw told the court the attack involved horrific violence against the victim. “What we know is that Alexander Cashford, a 49-year-old male, shortly after 7pm on Sunday August 10, went to the beach area of Warden’s Bay,” he said.
“About an hour and five minutes later, he was pronounced dead – during that period, he was the subject of a violent assault.”
The court heard allegations that the attack involved a glass bottle and rocks being thrown at Mr Cashford. Local residents told police they believed the victim was pushed to the ground before a stone or concrete slab was dropped on his head.
The 16-year-old girl and 14-year-old boy both cried during the hearing, while the 15-year-old looked at the floor, rocking slightly. Their parents accompanied them in the well of the court as other family members watched from the public gallery.
Fourth Suspect Arrested in Essex
A 12-year-old girl was arrested on Tuesday in Basildon, Essex, in connection with the murder. She remains in custody while police continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Cashford’s death.
Detective Chief Inspector from Kent Police’s Major Crime Unit confirmed the teenagers from London had been holidaying in the popular seaside resort when the fatal attack occurred. The force has not revealed any motive for the killing.
Police tape sealed off a large clearing behind the beach near a caravan park as forensic teams combed the scene for evidence. Specialist officers were seen using sniffer dogs to search the area while families continued to enjoy the beach just 50 yards from the crime scene.
Community in Shock Over Seaside Violence
The brutal murder has sent shockwaves through the normally peaceful community of Leysdown-on-Sea, known for its quiet beaches and family-friendly caravan parks. Residents expressed disbelief that such violence could erupt in their tranquil seaside town.
One local resident said she was surprised when her afternoon walk was disrupted by the police activity, initially thinking the helicopter overhead was the coastguard “which we get a lot at this time of year.”
The attack occurred in the Warden Bay area, opposite the Warden Bay Restaurant on Jetty Road. Officers sealed off an entire section of sand with police tape as they conducted their investigation.
South East Coast Ambulance Service paramedics attended alongside police but were unable to save Mr Cashford despite their efforts. An air ambulance was also dispatched to the scene.
Teenagers Remanded in Youth Detention
Magistrates remanded all three defendants into youth detention accommodation following today’s hearing. They are due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court tomorrow for a further hearing.
The teenagers, who cannot be named for legal reasons due to their age, showed visible distress during the court proceedings. Legal representatives for the defendants made no application for bail.
Kent Police confirmed the three suspects are all from London and had been visiting the Isle of Sheppey when the incident occurred. The force said it was treating the case as murder by joint venture, meaning all three are equally responsible for the death regardless of their individual actions.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Detectives are urgently appealing for witnesses who may have seen the altercation or events leading up to it. The Major Crime Unit is particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in the Warden Bay Road area between 7pm and 8pm on Sunday evening.
Detective Chief Inspector said: “We know there were other people in the area at the time of this incident. We need anyone who saw what happened or has any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward.”
Police are also appealing for anyone with CCTV footage from nearby properties or dashcam footage from vehicles in the area to contact them urgently. Officers have been conducting door-to-door enquiries and examining CCTV from local businesses.
The force has set up a Major Incident Public Portal for witnesses to submit information directly to the investigation team. Alternatively, people can contact Kent Police on 01622 652006 quoting reference 46/139384/25.
Investigation Continues
The murder investigation continues as detectives work to establish the full circumstances of what led to Mr Cashford’s death. Police have not revealed whether the victim knew his attackers or if the assault was random.
Forensic teams spent Monday and Tuesday conducting detailed examinations of the beach area where the attack occurred. Evidence markers were placed across the sand as officers photographed and documented the scene.
Kent Police confirmed Mr Cashford’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist family liaison officers. The victim’s family have not yet released any statement about their loss.
Support services have been mobilised to assist those affected by the tragedy, with local authorities working to maintain calm in the area as the investigation proceeds.
Anyone with information can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or by completing the online form on their website.
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