The family of a man who died yesterday after confronting a group of youths in a neighbour’s driveway has released a letter from his youngest daughter, who called him "the best dad anyone can wish for".

Garry Newlove, 47, died on Sunday afternoon in Warrington Hospital, nearly 48 hours after he confronted a gang of teenagers that had vandalised a neighbour's mechanical digger and smashed the window of his car. The sales manager, who had been trying to set up a neighbourhood watch scheme on his street, suffered a massive head injury.

Written as he lay dying, a letter from his daughter Amy, who is believed to be 12-years-old, was released by the Newlove family, who were planning to go on their summer holiday to Lanzarote on Wednesday.

“I can’t get across how much I will miss you and I don’t know what I would do without you," wrote Amy. “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.”

“We will deeply miss you and want you to know you are the best dad anyone can wish for. I love you, from your darling daughter who loves you so much and from the whole family.”

Friends of the family said Mr Newlove was married to Helen and had three daughters Zoe, aged about 19, 16-year-old Danielle and Amy.

Mike Roscoe, a work colleague who knew Mr Newlove, a sales manager at a plastics company, 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. They were looking forward to their holiday and now he is gone. I just can’t believe it, I’ve known him since he was 16.”

Mr Roscoe, 52, said that Mr Newlove had survived stomach cancer around 11 years ago, soon after Amy was born. The friends worked together at Manchester-based CF Airflow, where Mr Newlove was a co director, until about three years ago.

Police arrested nine youths after the attack, which happened at around 10.45pm. Six young people, aged between 15 and 19, remain in custody. Detectives have until around midnight tonight to charge them or renew the arrest warrants.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Cleworth added: “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 who were there to come forward.

“The officers involved are as sickened as anybody would be. Mr Newlove is a very active, very much well-respected member of the community. 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? The victim’s family are extremely distressed and our hearts go out to them.” Derek Lockie, local neighbourhood inspector for Cheshire Police, said Mr Newlove met with police officers in May to discuss problems with youth disorder. He had proposed setting up a neighbourhood watch scheme and sent out letters to all his neighbours.

Inspector Lockie said: “There has been a dozen reported incidents of disorder in Mr Newlove’s road this year." A bunch of flowers was placed close to the spot where Mr Newlove was attacked. 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 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."

Times Recommends

• What makes the perfect mum?
• To keep me stress-free, no more awareness days, please
• What do lottery winners buy?