Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Forced out of home he fought to defend
Terrified Richard quits over threats on burglar death
IT’S a common sight in suburban roads around this time of year.
A removals van parked in the path of a semi-detached house, men loading up furniture, boxed-up ornaments and garden tools, while an excited family make a spring move to a new home, dreaming of a fresh start.
But the boarded front window in South Park Crescent, Hither Green, and the police car transporter truck parked outside the South East London home yesterday morning, testified that this was no typical move.
This was a tragic withdrawal from a crime scene. The forced abandonment of decades of warm memories in a house that was supposed to offer a peaceful retirement haven for a popular couple.
It was the sad but inevitable surrendering of the home 78-year-old Richard Osborn-brooks was so determined to defend, he fatally stabbed removed, was backed out of Richard’s garage and on to a Met Police car transporter, then driven away.
Neighbours spoke of their sadness and regret as the scenes unfolded.
One said: “We always hoped they would come back at some stage but this looks rather final to me. It’s all very sad.”
Another added: “I think they should come back, it’s going to be difficult but they should. If he doesn’t maybe we should all sell up and leave?”
Theresa Webb, 43, said: “This has had such a radical effect on all of the neighbours. I just hope they get the time and space to get themselves together.”
Close relatives say that could be some time away.
The elderly couple’s mobiles are off and all who know them sworn to secrecy about their hiding place.