Scotland Yard name stabbed burglar’s ‘accomplice’ on the run after fleeing scene
SCOTLAND YARD have named the accomplice being hunted over a burglary in which another intruder was killed.
Police issued an appeal to find Billy Jeeves, 28, in connection with the break-in at the home of pensioner Richard Osborn-brooks in Hither Green, south-east London.
Mr Osborn-brooks, 78, was arrested on suspicion of murder over the killing of Henry Vincent, 37, but was told last week he would face no further action.
Vincent died nearby after the burglary on Apr 4. His accomplice, believed to be Jeeves, fled in a white van.
The Met issued 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 white Vauxhall Astra van with registration GU52 AXT.
The van was found burnt out on the evening of Apr 7 in Star Lane, near Hockingdon Lane in Orpington, Kent.
One suspect, armed with a screwdriver, forced the OAP into his kitchen when he discovered them, while his accomplice went upstairs.
Detectives believe a struggle ensued between “one of the males and the homeowner” and the intruder was stabbed in the upper body. An accomplice attempted to drag Vincent into the van, but eventually fled, according to a witness.
Yesterday, friends and family of Vincent created a shrine of floral tributes outside Mr Osborn-brooks’ home. Balloons, flowers and cards were placed on walls and posts near the house.
Metal grilles are guarding the windows of the house amid fears of reprisal attacks. It is not clear when or if Mr Osborn-brooks and his wife, who suffers from dementia, will be able to return to their home.
Friends of Vincent have reportedly made death threats to Mr Osborn-brooks. One acquaintance of Vincent said friends and family “won’t rest until they get their revenge”.