Tributes left to Raoul Moat

Posted by The Journal on Jul 12, 10 09:12 AM in News

He sparked one of Britain's biggest manhunts and left a trail of murder and shattered lives behind him.

But a sense of tragedy for the man he once was hangs above the colourful wreaths and moving messages left outside the former home of Raoul Moat.

A friend of Raoul Moat lays flowers at the spot where he died

A friend of Raoul Moat lays flowers at the spot where he died on the bank of the River Coquet

The tributes, some of which are unsigned, paint a picture of a friend and family man, far removed from the menacing fugitive who killed one and badly injured two more.

A police car was parked outside his house in Fenham Hall Drive, Newcastle, last night, where swings, a climbing frame and children's toys remain strewn around the garden. A soft toy and an empty bird cage were also visible through a bedroom window.

One message said simply: "Your life was worth so much more."

Another, signed by Kelly S and Derek H, reads: "Our thoughts are with you and your close friends. We were on your side even though we didn't know you that well."

A friend signing his name as "Clarky" left a long letter for "a very good friend."

He wrote: "I know the heartache you have been through with your kids and all of the other stuff. You were there to keep my chin up mate when I went through the same and you will never be forgotten.

"Glad to have known you. I wish I had been there for you because you helped me when I was down.

"I'm privileged to have had you as a very good friend in my life and I'm very sad it has ended like this."

Friends signing their names "Moz and Claire" wrote: "We remember the old days."

Mother-of-two Danielle Atkinson, 20, who lives next door to the semi-detached property, said: "I put some orange roses down. I just said that our thoughts are with his family and friends. It hasn't hit me yet."

Two bouquets were also laid at the spot where Moat killed himself on Rothbury's riverside.

One was accompanied by a note that read: "Raoul, gone but not forgotten, a true gent. They never took you. RIP."

The other simply read: "Raoul Moat RIP."

Throughout the day, a stream of people visited the spot where Moat turned his weapon on himself, ending the week-long police operation to find him.

Among them was Stephen Somerville, 24, of Whinmoor Place, Cowgate, who claimed to know Moat through going to gyms in Newcastle, and having once lived close to Moat in Fenham. Mr Somerville, who travelled 35 miles to pay his respects, said: "He was just like a normal person, kept himself to himself. He did tree work and things like that.

"I used to see him all the time working in the garden.

"I think he was all right. He never seemed to harm anyone while I knew him. He was just quiet.

"It is just hard to see the way he has died. I cannot understand why it took six hours. He must not have wanted to kill himself."

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