Fireman was killed by gunmen whilst on holiday with his younger brother

Chiswick resident Mike Abbott took this photo (right) of the flowers and tributes laid in memory of Thomas Ossel outside Chiswick Fire Station where he was based.

28 year old Thomas was shot and killed during a robbery whilst on holiday in Venezuela with his brother Jack.

A gang broke into their room at the Posada Casa Rosa hotel on Margarita Island and attacked the brothers when they resisted the robbery.

Hotel owner Peter Eggersdorfer later said he unwittingly let in the robbers after they asked to see a room and that he was taken hostage along with other guests.

"All I could hear was the robbers shouting in Spanish and the sound of punching and slapping as they put up resistance," he said.

"Five shots were fired. Four went into the wall and one killed the British holidaymaker."

21 year old Jack was taken to hospital and received stitches before being discharged.

Friends and colleagues paid tribute to Thomas who was "a real adventurer, a real character.”

London fire commissioner Ron Dobson said: “We were shocked and saddened to learn of Tom’s untimely death. I know he will be sorely missed by his fellow firefighters.

“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this sad and difficult time.”

August 1, 2011