Drone film clue hope on angler ‘stoned to death’

A DRONE pilot may have vital video footage that could help catch two thugs who hurled rocks at an angler who subsequently died.

Police are appealing for help to find the owner of the drone seen flying in the area at the time Charlie Hilder, 66, collapsed.

Mr Hilder, from Romford, east London, was fishing on the private lake at Lullingstone Castle in Eynsford, Kent, on Thursday when fellow members of his angling club say he may have got involved in a confrontation with poachers.

It is understood two boys, or teenagers, then threw stones or rocks at him while he was on his boat.

It is not clear, at this stage, if he was struck by a rock but it is thought he later died at the scene.

A Kent Police spokesman said: “Officers would like to speak to the owner of a drone that was believed to be flying in the area at the time of the incident and may have important video footage.”

Detective Chief Inspector Gavin Moss, who is leading the investigation, 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 noon and 7pm.

“One of them may have been carrying a fishing rod.”

Sevenoaks MP Laura Trott said: “I would also like to thank those of you who have been in touch with me regarding increasing anti-social behaviour in the area.

“This was something I raised with the police and they have reassured me there will be an increased police presence in the area.”