Ray Cowen,died as he tried to fight off two thieves trying to snatch his watch outside his holiday apartment in Los Cristianos (Picture: Universal Images Group Editorial Getty)

A British pensioner has been killed in Tenerife while trying to stop his wife being mugged.

Ray Cowen,88,originally from Blackpool,fought with thieves after they stole his 79-year-old wife Judy’s handbag and tried to take his watch on June 17.

He was pushed into a stationary car outside their holiday home in Los Cristianos,suffering serious head injuries.

He was taken to hospital after being revived at the scene,but died two days later. The attack happened just days after he celebrated his 88th birthday at the nearby Big Ben pub.

Three people have been arrested since the robbery,including a man known to police for similar crimes.

The suspect alleged to have been responsible for Ray’s fatal injuries has been remanded in custody after appearing in court.

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Start your day informed with Metro's News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.Flowers have been left for Ray outside the apartment block where the mugging took place

(Picture: Solarpix)The other two,one aged 36 and the other in their 20s,were released on bail.A floral tribute left outside their Victoria Court apartment said: ‘RIP Ray,We Will Miss You.’Expats in the area have expressed concern about the growing number of violent muggings.Stephen Fox wrote: ‘Sad state of affairs. Fourth incident that I know of in this exact same area in the last three months.”‘I witnessed a woman in a wheelchair in her 80s getting her chain ripped off her at 3pm.’Another Brit said: ‘This isn’t the first time it’s happened. RIP Ray. Thinking about you Judy and sending hugs.’A friend said: ‘I met that man two weeks ago in Big Ben. He was celebrating his birthday with his wife and having a great time. Such a lovely man. Can’t believe this happened. Rest in peace.’A formal investigation has been opened to determine the circumstances surrounding Ray’s death.