01 March 2024 , 22:30
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Tributes have been paid to a "quiet and gentle" man who has now been pictured after he was killed as he went to pick up a newspaper.
Bernard Fowler, 87, was found on the floor of Harold Wood station suffering "extensive injuries" by a member of staff early on Tuesday morning. The family said in a tribute: "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."
Miles Skai, 22, from Brent Cross in Hendon, has been charged in connection with his murder. He appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday afternoon. During a short hearing, Judge Duran set the provisional trial date as January 2, 2025. Bernard was attacked on the platform of the Elizabeth Line station just after 4:30am. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Charmaine Tonks told The Independent that the pensioner, known affectionately as "Bernie", was a very close friend of her late father. She said: "He always used to get the free paper from the station early each morning, I’ll always remember his smile, I thought he was a lovely man. It is a massive shock for anyone to reach such an age and to have your life taken in such a horrific way. It is absolutely despicable."
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Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Sam Painter 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."