British man accused of spying for Hong Kong’s intelligence services found dead in park

London CNN —

A man charged by British police for allegedly spying for Hong Kong’s intelligence services, has been found dead in a park outside of London.

Police are investigating the “unexplained death” of Matthew Trickett, 37, whose body was found by a member of the public in the park in Maidenhead, Berkshire, west of London, on Sunday, Thames Valley police said in a statement.

Trickett had appeared alongside two other suspects at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on May 13, charged with national security offences. All three were granted bail.

“Trickett was on court bail, awaiting court proceedings, which required him to register at a police station regularly,” the police said.

In a statement, Trickett’s family told British newspaper The Times: “We’re mourning the loss of a much-loved son, brother and family man.”

The Chinese Embassy in the UK and Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee have both condemned and rejected the accusations.

Relations between Hong Kong and its former colonial ruler Britain have soured in recent years following mass pro-democracy protests in the Chinese city in 2019 and 2020.

The British government has criticized Hong Kong’s Beijing-backed crackdown on almost all opposition in the years following the protests, while Hong Kong authorities have bristled at Britain providing a safe haven for pro-democracy leaders sought by the Hong Kong police.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee is speaking at a press conference before his Executive Council meeting in Hong Kong, on April 30, 2024.

Related article Hong Kong leader hits out after UK charges three with spying for city

The charges against the three men allege that between December 20, 2023, and May 2, 2024, they agreed to undertake information