Pensioner is released after public outcry over burglar break-in death
A pensioner arrested over the fatal stabbing of an intruder has been released, with the Metropolitan Police last night confirming it would take no further action against the homeowner.
Richard Osborn-brooks, 78, had been taken into custody after Henry Vincent, 37, was fatally stabbed during a burglary on Wednesday.
The pensioner had discovered two intruders at his home in South Park Crescent Hither Green in south-east London.
Mr Vincent, from Kent, was fatally stabbed during a struggle in the kitchen.
A police statement said: “The 78-year-old man was told on Friday, 6 April, that following consultation between the Met and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) no action will be taken.
“Officers have also spoken with the family of Henry Vincent, who died following the stabbing on Wednesday, 4 April.
“They have been informed of the decision and the reasons for it have been explained to them.”
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Harding, from the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “This is a tragic case for all of 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.
“We have approached the CPS for early investigative advice, as required under the guidance. We have received and considered that advice, and, at present – on the evidence available – we will not seek a charging decision.
“Therefore, no further action will be taken against the man.”
Mr Osborn-brooks’s arrest had provoked an outcry from neighbours and an online fundraising campaign.
Det Chief Insp Harding said: “Whilst there might be various forms of debate about which processes should be used in cases such as this, it was important that the resident was interviewed by officers under the appropriate legislation of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, not only for the integrity of our investigation, but also so that his personal and legal rights were protected.”
An inquest will be held into the circumstances surrounding Mr Vincent’s death in “due course”.
Tributes have been paid to Mr Vincent by family and friends on social media, with one reading he will “never be forgotten”.
In January, he had been named and pictured by Kent Police investigating a distraction burglary when jewellery and valuables were stolen from a man in his 70s.
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