Pensioner, 78, arrested on suspicion of murder after burglary suspect killed
A PENSIONER has been arrested on suspicion of murder after fatally wounding an intruder during a suspected burglary at his home.
Officers were called to reports of a burglary in progress at around 12.45am yesterday after two men entered a house in South Park Crescent in Hither Green, south-east London, the Metropolitan Police said.
One suspect, armed with a screwdriver, forced the 78-yearold homeowner into his kitchen when he discovered them, while his accomplice went upstairs, the force said.
Detectives believe a struggle ensued between “one of the males and the home-owner” and the 38-year-old intruder was stabbed in the upper body.
He was later found collapsed in nearby Further Green Road by paramedics from London Ambulance Service, who took him to a central London hospital where he died at 3.37am.
Police were unable to confirm whether the suspect had been stabbed with the screwdriver.
The pensioner, who suffered bruising to his arms, was initially arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm but has subsequently been further arrested on suspicion of murder, the Met said.
He remains in custody at a south London police station.
At least five forensic officers entered the house, which is on South Park Crescent, just before 1pm.
A large purple forensic tent has been erected by the front door of the house, and a wide cordon is being manned by around a dozen police officers.
One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said the homeowner had been retired for many years.
“He’s been retired for 26 years. I did some building work on his house a while ago, but I haven’t seen him for about three weeks.” said the neighbour.
One man, who lives on the adjoining Further Green Road, said there had been a recent spate of burglaries in the area.
The second suspect fled the scene and has yet to be found.
The dead suspect’s next of kin have been informed and a formal identification is due to take place. A post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course.