Police have released a picture of a ‘gentle’ elderly man who was killed in an alleged ‘unprovoked’ attack on his way to pick up a newspaper in East London.
Bernard Fowler, 87, was killed outside Harold Wood station, Havering, on his way to get a free paper on Tuesday morning (February 27).
Despite the efforts of the emergency services, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene by the London Ambulance Service.
Now British Transport Police have released his picture after Mr Fowler’s family paid tribute to the ‘dearly loved’ pensioner.
The devastated family said: ‘Bernie was a dearly loved brother, father and grandfather who had been living in the area for over 20 years.
‘He was a quiet, gentle man who lived alone but who, over the years, had helped many of the residents in his local community.
‘The family are devastated by the news of his death; he didn’t deserve to be attacked in such a brutal way just going out to get his local paper.
‘We ask that people respect our privacy at this time.’
Following the attack, 22-year-old Miles Skai of Brent Cross was charged with the murder and he appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday (March 1).
Senior investigating officer DCI Sam Painter, of the British Transport Police, said: ‘My thoughts remain with Mr Fowler’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.
‘We will continue to carry out high visibility patrols in the area alongside our colleagues at the Metropolitan Police to provide visible reassurance to the community after this shocking incident.’
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