Man, 22, arrested after death of 'community hero' beaten by mob

Detectives investigating the murder of a "community hero" beaten to death by rioters arrested a 22-year-old man today.

The suspect was being questioned about the death of Richard Mannington Bowes, 68, who was attacked after he challenged looters setting fires in the street in Ealing.

Mr Bowes, who suffered serious head injuries, is one of five men killed during the riots.

Officers made the arrest at an address in Southall early today after an appeal to trace a suspect caught on CCTV. The 22-year-old was being questioned about three looting offences, rioting and assaults on police officers.

Mr Bowes, of Haven Green, was placed on a life-support machine following the attack in Spring Bridge Road at about 10.45pm on Monday.

A witness said rioters attacked the pensioner when he tried to put out a fire in a supermarket bin near the Arcadia shopping centre.

Mr Bowes's sister Anne Wilderspin, 73, from Derbyshire, who lost touch with him 30 years ago, said she was "shocked" by what had happened.
Speaking before his death, she told ITV News: "It was sort of unreal because you don't think anything like that happens to a relative of yours.

"I mean we've been horrified by the reports of the riots and what's been going on. It was a shock and it's still a bit unreal in a way."

Mrs Wilderspin added: "I'm very sad that we have to see him like this, but in one way I'm very pleased that we could actually make contact again. So I'm mixed."

Detective Chief Inspector John McFarlane, of the Met's homicide and serious crime command, said: "This was a brutal incident that resulted in the senseless killing of an innocent man. I still need the assistance of the community who may have witnessed the attack on Richard to come forward and provide information or images they may have recorded on mobile devices." Film-maker Peter Firstbrook, who dragged Mr Bowes away from a fire as he lay on the pavement, today said he was "very shocked about his death, the whole neighbourhood is shocked".

Mr Firstbrook, 60, added: "Ealing is such a quiet, prosperous middle-class area. It is one of the most peaceful parts of London. I can only assume that most of the youths involved came from outside the area."

Ealing council said it was flying the Union flag over its town hall at half-mast today as a mark of respect. It is also launching the Richard Mannington Bowes Relief Fund to help victims of the riot in the borough.

Council leader Julian Bell said: "Although I did not know Mr Mannington Bowes, what I know about him I liked and my thoughts are with his family and friends. He was out on Monday night trying to protect the area where he lived and standing up for what is right. Sadly, someone who will clearly never share these values murdered him as a mob rampaged through our normally quiet streets."