ALMOST two months after his death, the family of Richard Bowes returned to Ealing to remember his life and the tragic way he died.

Having lived in Ealing for more than 10 years, the 68-year-old was trying to protect the town he knew and loved on that fatal night in August when rioting swept through the town centre.

On Tuesday morning (27), his sister Anne Wilderspin and husband Michael travelled down from Derbyshire with their son and cousins to bid their estranged relative farewell. 

Speaking before the funeral, Mrs Wilderspin said: "We were touched by all the messages. We want to thank people for their interest and for caring. We've had over 50 cards and letters, even from a gentleman in East London, people from the States and his old school friends."

Mr Bowes was struck down in Springbridge Road while he tried to stamp out an industrial bin caught on fire. He died three days later on August 11 from fatal head injuries.

Mr Wilderspin added: "He felt strongly about his home and wanted to make a statement. And from things we've been told by the Detective Chief Inspector, that wasn't a surprise. It was in his nature to stand up for his community for the right, and knowing the difference between right and wrong, something from his upbringing."

A congregation of around 100 met at St John's Church, in Mattock Lane, including around 30 locals who came to pay their respects, the mayor, councillors and Peter Firstbrook, the man who dragged Mr Bowes to safety as police fought back the mob. 

The Mayor John Gallagher, Ealing Council leader Julian Bell and his deputy Ranjit Dheer later joined the family to lay flowers in Springbridge Road where Mr Bowes was found unconscious.

Mr Bell said: "It was a very poignant and fitting tribute to someone who literally did give his life for the community. We, as councillors, wanted to pay our respects on behalf of the local community. It's still unbelievable that someone lost their life as a result of what happened."

All proceeds from a retiring offering at the funeral will go to the mayor's relief fund at the family's request, to support riot-hit businesses. 

A 16-year-old boy from Hounslow has been charged with Mr Bowes' murder and is due to stand trial at the Old Bailey next March.