Man found dead in bat-infested ancient cave was an 'unforgettable character'

The family of a man found dead in an ancient cave have describedhim as an "unforgettable character" as he is pictured for the first time.

Lucas Fulcher, 47, from South Ockendon, who was last seen on April 28, was found after a member of the public contacted police about a body at Hangman's Wood and Deneholes at the end of July.

Lucas' family has now issued a statement on the loss of the "unique soul". It comes after a mum was left 'traumatised' after a dog walker pushes her in canal as she cycles to work.

In a statement, they said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Lucas, whose absence is felt by his mother, siblings, extended family, friends, and the wider community who knew him.

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“Lucas was a unique soul with a love for music. Whether he was writing songs, playing guitar, or singing; usually with a huge cup of coffee in his hand, music was his way of expressing himself.

“Lucas faced many challenges throughout his life, but he always stayed true to who he was: creative, eccentric, and thoughtful in his own way. We know that anyone who knew him would agree that he was an unforgettable character.

“We choose to remember him with love and happy memories. We are grateful for the support shown to our family during this difficult time, and ask for privacy and kindness as we continue to grieve and seek answers.”

Detective Inspector Darren Ward said that police have not yet been able to ascertain how he died, but added they don't believe his death was suspicious.

In a statement, Inspector Ward said: "My thoughts, and those of my team, are with Lucas’ family at this very difficult time. We have been working hard to give them the answers they are looking for.

“While, at this stage, we have not been able to establish exactly how Lucas died, there is nothing to suggest his death was suspicious and we will be preparing a file for the coroner. I again want to thank the officers and our partners who worked diligently, professionally, and compassionately to ensure his dignity”.

The woods and deneholes are located in Little Thurrock. The Woodland Trustdescribes Hangman's Wood as a "triangular wooded area" that is "mostly made up of oak, ash, sycamore and wild cherry".

The wood contains a number of deneholes which are often hibernation sites for bats. It has now been confirmed that there was a body within the caves.

The caves at Hangman's Woods are regarded as the best preserved deneholes that exist. They are a Scheduled Monument - a nationally important archaeological site or building which is given protection against unauthorised change.

Compared to others around the UK, they are particularly deep - with some reaching 20 metres under ground before hitting chalk.

There is also fencing around the area due to the colony of bats using it as an area to hibernate. For this reason, it's also considered a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).