The quiet seaside community of Leysdown-on-Sea on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, was left stunned after the violent death of 49-year-old Alexander Cashford. What began as a typical Sunday evening in a coastal holiday spot ended in a tragedy that has now drawn nationwide attention.
Police allege that Cashford was subjected to a brutal assault involving a glass bottle and rocks, leading to his death shortly after the incident. Three teenagers — a 16-year-old girl, a 15-year-old boy, and a 14-year-old boy, all from London — have been charged with murder. They appeared before Medway magistrates court on Wednesday, facing the full weight of the law for a crime that has shocked both residents and visitors alike.
The Incident at Warden Bay
On Sunday, August 10, 2025, just after 7pm, Kent Police received reports of a disturbance in the Warden Bay Road area of Leysdown-on-Sea, a small but popular resort town known for its beach and relaxed holiday atmosphere. According to police statements, the disturbance involved a small number of people and quickly escalated into a violent confrontation.
Alexander Cashford, a 49-year-old man, had reportedly gone to the beach area earlier that evening. About an hour and five minutes later, he was pronounced dead at the scene despite the presence of emergency responders, including the South East Coast Ambulance Service. Investigators confirmed that Cashford had sustained multiple injuries consistent with a violent assault.
Prosecutors allege that the attack was not a single blow or brief altercation but an intense and sustained assault. In court, Dylan Bradshaw, representing the prosecution, described the alleged involvement of a glass bottle and rocks as weapons used against Cashford. The brutality of the incident has intensified the shock felt by the local community, especially as violent crime of this nature is rare in the area.
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The three accused teenagers — a 16-year-old girl, a 15-year-old boy, and a 14-year-old boy — are believed to have been in Kent on holiday at the time of the incident. All three are from London, and according to reports, they were staying in the vicinity when the fatal confrontation occurred. They were arrested in the days immediately following the attack, questioned by detectives, and subsequently charged with murder on Tuesday.
The Court Appearance and Emotional Scenes
The first court hearing took place on Wednesday at Medway magistrates court, where the three teenagers faced the initial stage of what is expected to be a lengthy legal process. Due to their ages, the defendants cannot be named under UK law. However, the hearing provided some insight into the early stages of the prosecution’s case and the emotional toll on those involved.
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The 16-year-old girl and 14-year-old boy were visibly emotional during the proceedings, reportedly crying as the charges were read out. The 15-year-old boy remained largely silent, keeping his head down and rocking slightly in his seat. All three were accompanied by their parents, while other family members watched from the public gallery.
Prosecutor Dylan Bradshaw outlined the timeline of events, stating that Cashford’s presence at the beach shortly after 7pm was followed by a period of violent confrontation that ultimately led to his death. The involvement of improvised weapons, such as a glass bottle and rocks, was emphasized as a key element of the prosecution’s case.
Magistrates ordered that the three defendants be remanded into youth detention accommodation, pending their next appearance at Maidstone crown court on Thursday. The gravity of the charges means the case will be transferred to a higher court for trial.
In addition to the three charged with murder, police also confirmed that a fourth suspect — a 12-year-old girl arrested in Basildon, Essex, on Tuesday — remains in custody while investigations continue. She has not yet been charged, and authorities have not disclosed whether she will face the same allegations as the other three.
Community Shock and Ongoing Investigation
The Isle of Sheppey, particularly Leysdown-on-Sea, is known more for its family-friendly beach holidays than for violent crime. Local residents expressed shock and disbelief over the incident, with many stating that “nothing ever happens” in the area. The notion that a fatal assault could occur in such a setting has unsettled the community, prompting heightened police presence and reassurance patrols in the days following the killing.
Detectives from Kent Police have made public appeals for witnesses to come forward, urging anyone who may have been in the Warden Bay area on the evening of August 10 to share information, photographs, or videos that could assist the investigation. Authorities are particularly interested in hearing from individuals who may have seen the group of teenagers before or after the incident, or who might have witnessed any arguments or confrontations.
So far, police have been tight-lipped about the possible motive for the attack, focusing instead on gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. The involvement of minors in such a serious alleged offence has also sparked discussions about youth violence, holiday park security, and the influence of social group dynamics among teenagers.
The investigation remains active, with forensic teams having carried out extensive searches in the Warden Bay area earlier in the week. Reports suggest that officers have recovered several items believed to be linked to the assault, although these have not been publicly identified.
As the case proceeds to Maidstone crown court, the focus will be on determining exactly what led to the fatal assault, the level of involvement of each accused teenager, and whether the evidence supports the charges of murder against them. The presence of a 12-year-old suspect still under investigation adds further complexity to an already disturbing case.
While the criminal justice process will unfold over the coming months, the tragedy has already left a lasting mark on Leysdown-on-Sea. Residents who once viewed their seaside town as a safe haven now find themselves grappling with the reality that violence can erupt anywhere, even in the most tranquil settings.
The death of Alexander Cashford is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of violence. For his family and friends, the court proceedings will offer an opportunity for justice — but they will also be a painful reminder of a life cut short.