Teenagers remanded over father-of-three's murder

LONDON, Aug 14 (Reuters) Three teenagers appeared in court today charged with murdering a father-of-three who died in an attack outside his home in Cheshire.

Garry Newlove, 47, was set upon after he confronted a group of youths who had vandalised a mechanical digger and another vehicle in Warrington on Friday, detectives said.

He died in hospital two days later from severe head injuries.

Two boys aged 15 and another aged 16 were remanded in custody at a hearing at Runcorn Youth Court. They are due to appear again in court in Warrington next Monday.

In a letter written at his hospital bedside, Newlove's youngest daughter, Amy, 12, described her father as ''the best dad anyone can ask for''.

''I can't get across to you how much I will miss you and I don't know what I would do without you,'' she wrote.

''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).

''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.'' Newlove, a sales manager, was due to go on a family holiday to Lanzarote this week, according to media reports.

''They were looking forward to their holiday and now he is gone,'' family friend Mike Roscow, 52, told the Daily Telegraph.

Newlove met police three months ago to discuss setting up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme after a spate of youth crime in the area, media reported.

Friends and family left flowers at the scene of the attack.

One card read: ''To a true hero -- trying to take our streets back, standing up for what is right.'' Another said: ''To our brave neighbour. You stood up for what you believed in. So sorry it had to end like this.'' Reuters SBC DB2216