Police name man who died after incident near UK theme park

Police have named a man who passed away shortly after an incident near a local theme park.

Gareth Hart, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was injured in an incident on Sea Lane in Ingoldmells near Skegness shortly before 1.00am on Thursday morning.

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A 33-year-old from Derbyshire has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Another man who had been arrested has been released with no further action being taken.

The bosses at the nearby theme park Fantasy Island reduced access to rides while investigations were carried out.

A spokesperson for the park said: "Some of our operational procedures may be adapted, and there may be some ride closures in place in order to respect the sensitivity of the incident."

Police had reportedly arrived on the scene when a worried local called to say that a fight had broken out on the street.

Upon arrival, police found Hart lying injured on the ground.

Police have said that Hart's family have asked for privacy at this difficult time.

It is understood that Hart owned the Thurnscoe Tap pub on Station Road, Rotherham.

On Thursday morning, the pub released a statement on Facebook which reads: "Due to unforeseen circumstances Thurnscoe tap will be closed until further notice.

"Sorry for any inconvenience caused and we will update when we are open back up. Thanks for you custom and support so far."

Lincolnshire Police

Tributes poured in from people who offered condolences for his family.

One person wrote: "Very Sad day! Heart goes out to you all Gareth Hart x."

Another mourner commented: "R.I.P Gareth Hart fly high mate," as another shared a picture of a pint and wrote: "For you my brother, my best mate Gareth Hart."

Holidaymakers also expressed their shock at the incident.

Talking to Nottinghamshire Live, one visitor said: "When you come here on holiday you don't expect it, we come here all the time and always go to the arcades."

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said: "We continue to investigate and anyone with information, or anyone with dashcam footage in the Roman Bank area between 9pm on 5 April and 3am the following day, should contact us on 101, quoting Incident 22 of 6 April."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677

Topics: Crime, Theme Park

Ben Thompson