SHOCK AT DEAD RAIDER TRIBUTE

Flowers left at OAP’s home

CARDS and flowers have been left outside the home of a pensioner who killed a burglar – in a tribute to the raider.

Crook Henry Vincent was stabbed with a screwdriver as Richard Osborn-Brooks, 78, tried to defend his disabled wife Maureen, 76.

The OAP has now been cleared after initially being arrested on suspicion of murder.

But well-wishers yesterday paid their respects to career criminal Vincent, 37, outside the house in Hither Green, south-east London.

It has been boarded up and the Osborn-Brooks moved out for their own safety.

A card, left with a bunch of flowers, read: “Henry, loved and cared for by many.

“A heart of gold. May God bless you and give you peace in heaven. Truly sadly missed.”

A second unsigned card was also left at the property.

Last night it emerged Vincent once faced boxing star David Haye in the ring. Footage from 1995 shows a 15-year-old Vincent boxing with Haye in an amateur bout.

Vincent was armed with a screwdriver during the burglary attempt in the early hours of Wednesday morning. He received the fatal knife wound after struggling with Mr Osborn-Brooks.

He fled with an accomplice but collapsed in the street and later died in hospital from his injuries. There was a public outcry after the pensioner was arrested on suspicion of murder.

But it was announced he would face no further action.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Harding said: “This is a tragic case for all those involved.

“As expected with any incident where someone has lost their life, my officers carried out a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the death.”