A devastated young daughter has paid tribute to the father she lost after he was beaten to death by a gang of youths.

The family of Garry Newlove, 47, released a letter from his daughter Amy, who is believed to be 12, which was written as he was dying in hospital.

She wrote: “I can’t get across how much I will miss you and I don’t know what I would do without you. You have always been there for me when I am down and you always put a smile on my face (even if it is a rubbish joke).

“You mean the world to me and I wouldn’t change you for the world.”

Mr Newlove was attacked on Friday night after a gang of youths vandalised a mechanical digger parked in a neighbour’s drive in Warrington, Cheshire, and his car window was smashed. He suffered head injuries and died at Warrington Hospital on Sunday afternoon.

Mr Newlove, a sales manager who had previously survived stomach cancer, had been due to go to Lanzarote on holiday tomorrow with his wife, Helen, and their three daughters, Zoe, believed to be 19, Danielle, 16, and Amy.

Mr Newlove had met police officers in May to discuss problems with youth disorder in his area. Detective Chief Inspector Martin Cleworth, of Cheshire Police, said: “Mr Newlove had gone outside when his car was vandalised. He did what any of us would do in those circumstances. He was set upon and sustained several injuries including an injury to his head, which is most likely the cause of death.

“We do believe that the youths were drinking, although there is no evidence to suggest drug use. We have identified members of the group, some of whom have had previous dealings with police, and we are appealing for others to come forward.

“The officers involved are as sickened as anybody would be. Mr Newlove is a very active, very much wellrespected member of the community.”

He added: “This is an absolutely tragic incident and I would appeal to any young people who may have knowledge about what happened to think about this as if it was their father or their brother. How would they feel?” Mike Roscoe, a work colleague who has known Mr Newlove for 30 years, said: “They were your typical, happy family. I spoke to Helen yesterday and she is distraught. There’s no other word for it.”

Derek Lockie, local neighbourhood inspector for Cheshire Police, said that Mr Newlove had proposed setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme and had sent out letters to all his neighbours.

Inspector Lockie said: “There have been a dozen reported incidents of disorder in Mr Newlove’s road this year. The area is a cut through to a shopping precinct where you do get youths, and that is where most of the calls come from. There has been an increase in the number of uniformed officers patrolling the area.”

There was a bunch of flowers outside Mr Newlove’s home yesterday. The card read: “A true hero. Trying to take our street back. Standing up for what is right. God bless.”

Next to the house is a railway bridge under which, neighbours said, the youths would congregate.

Vera Flynn, 69, who has lived next to the bridge for 30 years, said: “The police came and asked me about it but I never saw anything. I don’t leave my house after dark because of the gangs.

“The kids are always under the bridge messing about and if you say anything you get a mouthful. They are drinking, taking drugs, and I just don’t want to leave my house because of it.”

Three teenagers were charged last night with the murder of Mr Newlove. Two 15-year-olds and a 16-year-old will appear before magistrates at Runcorn today.

Amy Newlove's letter to her father as he lay dying in hospital

To Daddy

I am unable to see you right now as you are too ill but I know you can fight this as you are a strong, loving man who I know loves me no matter what. I am asking you to be strong and don’t give in as I love you too much to believe that you won’t go without a fight.

I had a dream last night that you woke up and you were fine except you didn’t know me at all. If that did happen and you didn’t know me I would still try to help you remember. I will stick by you while you are in hospital and I will take care of mummy.

I can’t get across to you how much I will miss you and I don’t know what I would do without you. You have always been there for me when I am down and you always put a smile on my face (even if it is a rubbish joke).

You mean the world to me and I wouldn’t change you for the world. When you get out of here I will be there with a big smile on my face.

I hope you can hear me right now as I hope it will give you more strength and determination as to wake up.I thought I saw nanna Newlove’s face in the TV last night and I keep seeing her. I know she is here with you looking out for you and is probably offering cornflakes or Thorntons toffee.

I love you with all my heart so please don’t give in. We are all taking care of you and mummy. We will deeply miss you and I want you to know you are the best dad anyone can ask for.

I love you so much and I do hope you can fight this. I love you!

From your darling daughter who loves you so much and from the whole family.

WE LOVE YOU!! AND DON’T GIVE IN!!

xxxxxoooooxxx

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