An alleged murder victim’s cause of death remains unknown, an inquest has heard.
Alexander Cashford died on August 10 after an altercation with a group of youths involving a glass bottle and rocks in Leysdown, on the Isle of Sheppey.
Police were called to a beach in Warden Bay Road at around 7.30pm, and the 49-year-old victim was declared dead at 8.05pm.
An inquest opened into Mr Cashford’s death at Oakwood House in Maidstone this morning (August 18).
Coroner Katrina Hepburn told the court the deceased was born in Minster on Sheppey and had been living in Moor Street, Gillingham.
She added: “CPR was given by members of the public before being continued by officers.”
Mr Cashford’s cause of death is still pending further investigation.
The inquest was then suspended due to ongoing criminal proceedings.
Three teenagers, including a 16-year-old girl and two boys aged 14 and 15, were charged with murder following the incident.
Appearing at Maidstone Crown Court last week, the trio were told they will face trial in January. It will be presided over by a High Court judge and is expected to last up to six weeks.
It is alleged the three youths murdered Alexander Cashford during an altercation involving a glass bottle and rocks at the Warden Bay Road area of Leysdown.
Police were called at around 7.30pm to the scene where the victim, who had worked as an electrician and also had a home in Warden Bay, was subsequently pronounced dead by paramedics.
The court heard he suffered bruising to his body and a head injury.
Prosecutor Craig Evans added that although post-mortem examinations continue, Mr Cashford may have died as the result of “a medical episode such as a cardiac arrest which could have been brought on by being chased and attacked”.
The teens, who are from London and Essex, were arrested shortly afterwards and, having been charged last week and remanded by magistrates into youth detention accommodation, their case was sent to the crown court for what is known as a preliminary hearing.
None of the teens can be identified due to their age and were simply asked to confirm their names.
Police also confirmed today that a 12-year-old girl arrested in Basildon, Essex, on Tuesday (August 12) in connection with the incident has since been released on bail.
Anyone with information, relevant CCTV or dashcam footage should use the Major Incident Public Portal. Alternatively, call Kent Police on 01622 652006 quoting 46/139384/25.
You can also report anonymously, via Crimestoppers. Call 0800 555111 or complete the online form.
