Shrine to dead burglar created outside OAP victim's home

A shrine to an intruder who died in a botched raid during one his burglaries has been left near the home of his pensioner victim - but was torn down within hours.

Floral tributes, balloons, teddy bears and messages were left near the spot where Henry Vincent was found after being fatally wounded by Richard Osborn-Brooks, 78.

But on Tuesday morning, the shrine lay in tatters on the pavement of South Park Crescent, Hither Green in south-east London.

Family and friends of Henry Vincent, 37, had erected the shrine opposite the pensioner’s home on Monday.

Floral tributes left on South Park Crescent in Hither Green following the death of Henry Vincent. Picture: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

A resident who gave his name only as Peter said: “I wouldn’t want them on my wall anyway put it like that. They were climbing the fence and everything yesterday. Will he ever be able to come back and live here? I doubt it. It’s sad.”

A woman with him who did not give her name added: “You just feel sorry for him as well, because he’s probably worked his whole life to get that house and now he’s out through no fault of his own.”

Nikita Hill, 39, who lives nearby, said: “I don’t think they should have put it outside his home. Maybe they could have done it further away. But he’s got loved ones and family too so I understand why they did it.”

A shrine to Henry Vincent has been destroyed. Picture: SWNS

Mr Osborn-Brooks - cleared by police after being arrested on suspicion of murder - is in hiding with his wife Maureen, 76.

Meanwhile, Scotland Yard revealed officers are hunting a man in connection with the burglary.

Billy Jeeves, 28, is being sought following the incident, which took place at around 12.45am on Wednesday April 4.

Vincent’s accomplice got away and has not yet been found.

The Met Police released a mugshot of Billy Jeeves, who is being sought in connection with the botched burglary. Picture: Metropolitan Police

The Met Police released a mugshot of Jeeves and said he has links to Orpington and Swanley in Kent, and Cambridge.

Officers also want to hear from anybody who may have seen his vehicle, a white Vauxhall Astra van with registration GU52 AXT, in the days and hours before and after the burglary.

The van was found burnt out and destroyed on the evening of Saturday April 7 in Star Lane, near Hockingdon Lane in Orpington, Kent.

Officers were called to reports of a burglary in progress at 12.45am, after two men entered the house on South Park Crescent.

Richard Osborn-Brooks has fled his home and is in hiding with his wife.

One suspect, armed with a screwdriver, forced the homeowner into his kitchen when he discovered them, while his accomplice went upstairs, the force previously said.

Detectives believe a struggle ensued between “one of the males and the homeowner” and the intruder was stabbed in the upper body.

It is unclear what implement was used to deliver the fatal blow.

Both men then apparently attempted a getaway, but Vincent collapsed nearby on Further Green Road.

An accomplice attempted to drag him towards a van but eventually left, according to a witness.

Paramedics from London Ambulance Service took him to a central London hospital where he died at 3.37am.