Three suspects have been arrested after a dad was shot dead at a holiday park. Sam Petrou, 35, was found dead with a gunshot wound in a caravan in Eastchurch, Kent, on Sunday morning.
Just over three hours later a man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of murder, police said. A man, 42, from Sidcup, south east London, more than 40 miles from the scene, and a 33-year-old woman from Greenwich were also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.
Petrou was discovered at around 9.40am at the Cliff Cottage Chalet Park at Fourth Avenue in Eastchurch, on the Isle of Sheppey. By 1pm the same day the first arrest was made. All three suspects have now been released on bail while the investigation continues.
Mr Petrou was said to be living in south east London at the time of his death. Around 20 police and forensic officers were seen investigating the area near Eastchurch Holiday Centre on Tuesday.
It is not yet known if the suspects knew the alleged victim.
Detective inspector Adam Marshall, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, appealed for anyone with footage of the scene the evening before the body was found to come forward.
He said: "We are continuing to appeal to drivers who may have been in this area, between 7.30pm and 9pm on Saturday, June 10, to check for any dashcam footage which may assist our investigation.
"It is important we identify the movements of people or vehicles in the Warden Road and Fourth Avenue areas, within this period."
Mr Petrou's death sparked an outpouring of grief with friends and family paying tribute to him. Dad Nick Petrou wrote: “He was so loved – the amount of posts and heartfelt comments people have put up of him has blown me away.
“I would like to thank each and everyone of you from the bottom of my broken heart.”
"For loving my beautiful son Sam from boyhood to manhood and beyond.
“I can remember, like yesterday, when he was born with colic and in pain, and every night I held him in my arms for hours until he fell asleep for six months solid."
Friend Ben Hyland added: "Devastated is an understatement - I can’t remember Sam not smiling and laughing.
“He was such a nice man and would do anything for anyone, so I'm proud to call him my friend - I'm going to miss him dearly."
One friend wrote: "Some amazing memories with you, this is just one of many, you were like family RIP Sam Petrou. You’ll never be forgotten."
Another friend said: "Where do I start? I played my first Sunday league match and had my first legal pint with you.
"You looked after me and took me in - I just want to say thank you for letting me be a part of your story. Sam my brother, fly high you'll be forever with me."
Anyone with any information can call Kent Police on 01622 652006, quoting reference 11-0449 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via their website.
