Hastings Man In Mystery Drowning

Police were called to Coghurst Hall Holiday Park in Ivyhouse Lane at 11.20pm because a man was reported as being drunk and abusive on Saturday night 17 May.

Found Dead After Confrontation With Police

Upon arrival, officers were involved in a search for a man, which resulted in a confrontation. He ran away from police and was subsequently seen in a lake at the holiday park.
Rother district policing commander, Chief Inspector Warren Franklin, said: “Officers and friends of the man encouraged him to come out of the water, but before he could do so he got into difficulties. Officers used boats to get onto the lake but could not find any trace of him.

Body Recovered Next Day

“A large-scale search of the lake was launched by officers with other members of the emergency services as well as the surrounding area. Sadly, at around 3pm on Sunday (May 18), a body was found by divers from Sussex Police’s Specialist Search Unit.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this tragic time.”

Independent Police Complaints Commission

The man has been named as Leon Stent, 30, of Hastings. He is understood to have been visiting friends at the park. A post mortem will be held in due course and the matter has now been passed to the coroner.

Due to police contact with the man before his death, the Independent Police Complaints Commission has been informed of the incident.