Tributes paid to Ealing ‘hero’
The 68 year-old seriously injured during rioting in Ealing has been described as a ‘hero’ by London’s Mayor Boris Johnson, as police release an image of a man described as a ‘strong suspect.’
Richard Bowes remains in a critical condition on a life support machine in hospital after he was set upon while trying to stamp out a fire in a bin near his home.
Speaking from the scene of the attack, Detective Chief Inspector John McFarlane, who is leading the investigation, said: “There was some suggestion he was attacked because he was stamping out fires that had been started.
“An officer saw Mr Bowes being knocked over and attacked and they called for assistance. Officers arrived and they were able to drive the mob off.”
Mr Bowes was found without his wallet or his phone, making it even more difficult to trace his relatives.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson paid tribute to Mr Bowes saying: “There are many villains in this story but also many heroes and I want to pay particular tribute to Mr Bowes.
“But he has paid a terrible price.
“I am desperately sorry for him and his family.”
Scotlad Yard said the investigation could turn into a murder inquiry.
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Meanwhile, the Metropolitan police force released further images of one man they call a “strong suspect” and potential witnesses.
The CCTV shows the man from earlier in the night outside MacDonald’s on Ealing Broadway wearing a jumper with a logo on the back and a large circular logo on the front, with sunglasses on his head.
He is described as a “black man with a big build”.
DCI McFarlane added: “I still need the assistance of the community who may have witnessed the attack on this innocent man, to come forward and provide information or images they may have recorded on mobile devices. This information could be crucial.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4205; or if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.