My life is at risk, says man who tore down dead raider’s flowers
A MAN who tore down floral tributes to a dead burglar has been told by police he should consider go into hiding following threats to his life.
Musician Iain Gordon was furious that Richard OsbornBrooks, 78, had been arrested after burglar Henry Vincent died during a struggle in his South-East London home.
On Wednesday, Mr Gordon was filmed ripping down flowers and within 24 hours was told it was ‘all over the market’ that he was destined for a ‘one-way trip to the coast’. The next day he was warned by detectives that his life was at risk.
‘They said they had information that I was going to be killed,’ he said. ‘They said they had to read a statement to me. The statement said that they suggested I get security lights and CCTV cameras or consider moving to another address.’ Mr OsbornBrooks and his disabled wife Maureen, 78, have been forced out of their Hither Green home following the April 4 burglary.
On Thursday, Met Police Deputy Commissioner Sir Craig Mackey appeared on LBC Radio and was asked about the floral tributes. He said: ‘This is a tragedy for the family who have lost a loved one… We want those laying flowers to respect the local people and the impact on them. Those opposed to the flowers should act responsibly, respectfully and reasonably.’
Mr Gordon, who lives a couple of miles from Mr Osborn-Brooks and continues to protest outside his home, said: ‘I want the Deputy Commissioner sacked for what he said. It’s disgusting. The police haven’t got their focus on dealing with the criminals.’
Meanwhile, residents have warned of trouble if Vincent’s family lead a horse-drawn hearse past Mr Osborn-Brooks’s home as part of a rumoured £100,000 funeral. One woman said: ‘It’ll get nasty. I think there will be a riot.’