Tribute to 'life and soul' as seventh person arrested in Camber Sands investigation

Police have arrested a seventh person in connection with the death of a man at a holiday park in Camber Sands on Saturday (August 6).

Emergency services were called to the holiday park in Lydd Road at around 10.50pm on Friday (August 5) following an altercation between a group of people.

A 53-year-old man, now identified as Michael McDonagh from London, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene shortly after midnight.

Six people were swiftly arrested on suspicion of murder and have now been released on conditional bail.

As a result of further enquiries, a seventh person has now been arrested on suspicion of murder and released on conditional bail.

Michael’s family have paid tribute to the father of six:

“On Saturday morning we found out we lost our father Michael McDonagh.

“Michael was a loving and supportive husband of 32 years and a father of six, taken from us whilst on a family holiday.

“His family meant everything to him. He came away to make memories with his wife and children and instead we are walking away with broken hearts and unanswered questions.

“It's impossible to put into words how we all feel. Our dad was the centre of our world and the life and soul of every party.

“Not only did my dad make such a huge impact on our family but also to countless people who knew him throughout his life. He will be greatly missed.

“Michael was a kind-hearted man who died too young, leaving behind all those that loved him.”

Detective Chief Inspector Emma Vickers said: “My condolences go out to Michael’s family following Friday night’s tragic events.

“A complex and fast-moving investigation is underway to establish precisely what happened and identify those responsible.

“I understand incidents such as these can have a profound impact on the wider community and I would like to offer my assurances that this was an isolated incident and we are working tirelessly to find out the full circumstances.

“Anybody who witnessed the incident or has any information which could help with the investigation is asked to contact police online via the Sussex Police website, or by calling 101, quoting Operation Molton.

“Any relevant images or video footage can also be uploaded by the public to the Sussex Police section of the Major Incident Public Portal, under Op Molton, here - https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4722F25-PO1."