Ex-Royal Marine, 37, accused of spying for China on Hong Kong activists after fighting the Taliban and Somali pirates is found dead in a park

A former Royal Marine who was awaiting trial accused of spying on activists for Hong Kong has been found dead in a park.

Home Office Immigration Enforcement officer Matthew Trickett, 37, who had fought the Taliban and Somali pirates, made an appearance in court last week facing two charges under the National Security Act 2023.

He was accused of carrying out surveillance and hostile reconnaissance on pro-democracy activists in the UK for the Hong Kong intelligence service.

Mr Trickett was found dead on Sunday at around 5.15pm by police in Grenfell Park, Maidenhead, following a report from a member of the public.

Thames Valley Police is investigating Mr Trickett's death which is currently being treated by the force as 'unexplained'.

'Formal identification has taken place and we can confirm the man is Matthew Trickett, aged 37, from Maidenhead,' the force said in a statement.

Police said that his family have been informed and they are being supported by officers. We would kindly ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.

A post-mortem will be conducted in due course, police say.

Thames Valley Police said in a statement: 'We are asking anyone with information to come forward particularly anyone who was in Grenfell Park on Sunday afternoon prior to 5.15pm. If you have information then please call 101 quoting reference 43240233265.

'Mr Trickett was on court bail, awaiting court proceedings, which required him to register at a police station regularly. Therefore, because Thames Valley Police had prior contact with Mr Trickett, a mandatory referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as is normal in such circumstances where there has been a death following police contact.

'The IOPC have assessed that referral and decided that the matter should be investigated by Thames Valley Police's Professional Standards Department.'

Born in Poole, Dorset, in 1987, Trickett enlisted into the Royal Marines aged 19, served for seven years, rising to the position of 'detachment commander'.

After leaving the military, he set up his own security company, working as a bodyguard for engineers, foreign dignitaries and corporate organisations as well as wealthy families.

Trickett spoke Spanish and is thought to have worked overseas. He lived in Maidenhead, Berkshire.