The body of Richard Mills was discovered on July 14, where he was working for The Times newspaper.

But his death only became public last night, after his remains and personal belongings were returned to the Province.

It is understood Mr Mills, 41, was working undercover in the strife torn African country, where Western media are banned.

Zimbabwean authorities have said he took his own life.

But the photo-journalist’s father, Richard Mills Snr indicated the family have concerns about this version of the death; particularly as his son had signed guardianship papers for a seven-year-old boy the very day he died.

“It doesn’t appear to us to be the actions of someone who is about to take their own life,” said Mr Mills.

“For now we want to lay him to rest but we will be looking for answers to some of the questions that we have.”

In a statement, Mr Mills spoke proudly of his son, who worked at the very top of his profession.

He covered dramatic news events in the most hostile environments, including Iraq and Afghanistan –working under immense pressure and witnessing and recording terrible human suffering, which impacted greatly on his life.

Mr Mills said: “Richard was an immensely talented photographer who spent his press photography career in some of the most dangerous, war-torn parts of the world.

“His photographs mainly concentrated on the youngest victims of violence capturing the devastation that only a picture can.

“He had come under fire on several occasions and had the reputation among his colleagues of being fearless.

“But he also had a great compassion for humanity and since his death his colleagues have told us he often returned to visit those he had photographed.

“Only last year he and his fellow journalist had championed the cause of a seven-year-old Zimba-bwean Aids victim to try to get her medical treatment. That was typical of Richard.

“On the day he died, Richard had signed guardianship papers for a young boy who was to leave his family in Zimbabwe to attend boarding school in Edinburgh, so that the boy could spend some weekends with Richard’s family when he was so far from home."

Richard Mills had worked for The Times for seven years.

He grew up in south Belfast and attended Newtownbreda High School. He left Northern Ireland in 1987 and served for 13 years in the RAF before becoming a photographer.

He is survived by his wife Zoe, son Finn, parents Richard and Patricia and sisters Pamela and Tara.

His funeral will be held at Roselawn Crematorium at 3pm on Tuesday.

See Morning View, page 14