A father who died after being shot dead at a holiday park in Kent has been pictured for the first time.
Sam Petrou, 35, was found dead with a gunshot wound in a caravan at Cliff Cottage Chalet Park in Fourth Avenue on the Isle of Sheppey at around 9.40am on Sunday.
At around 1pm on the same day a man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of murder, while a man, 42, from Sidcup, south east London, and a 33-year-old woman from Greenwich, were also arrested on the same charge.
They remain under investigation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate and have been put on bail with conditions to return to a police station on 11 September.
Tributes have poured in from people in Bromley, in south east London, where Sam is believed to be from, following his death.
Sam Petrou, 35, died after being shot dead at a holiday park in Kent
In a post shared to Facebook, Sam’s dad Nick Petrou wrote: ‘He was so loved, the amount of posts and heartfelt comments that people have put up of him has blown me away and lifted my broken heart.
‘I would like to thank each and every one 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.
‘I held him in my arms every night for hours until he fell asleep. I have loved him and wanted to hold him in my arms, and did everytime I saw him. He was so loving and I miss my baby.’
In another tribute, a friend of Sam’s told MyLondon: ‘Sam was a bubbly and happy go lucky man and he was always smiling.
‘We are all devastated to hear what has happened to Sam its so sad and such a shock for us all.’
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.’
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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.’
He was found dead by Kent Police at Cliff Cottage Chalet Park in Fourth Avenue, Eastchurch, at around 9.40am on Sunday
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.
Officers are continuing to appeal to drivers who may have been travelling through Eastchurch, between 7.30pm and 9pm on Saturday June 10, to check for any dashcam footage which may assist the investigation.
They are looking to identify the movements of people or vehicles in the Warden Road and Fourth Avenue areas.
A Kent Police spokesperson said: ‘Three suspects arrested in connection with the death of a man in Sheerness have been bailed as part of an ongoing murder investigation.
‘Kent Police was called at around 9.40am on Sunday 11 June 2023, to an address in Fourth Avenue, Eastchurch, where Sam Petrou was found deceased.
‘Mr Petrou, aged 35, had suffered injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.
‘Since then, an investigation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate has led to the arrests of two men and a woman.
‘They all remain under investigation and are currently bailed, with conditions, to return to a police station on 11 September.
‘Anyone with information can submit this online by visiting the Public Portal
‘Alternatively, call Kent Police on 01622 652006, quoting reference 11-0449.
‘You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form on their website.’
