Dead man suspect in another burglary
Neighbours defend man held over ‘murder’
CRIME: An intruder killed during a raid on a pensioner’s home was under investigation over a separate burglary involving another elderly victim, it has been revealed. Tributes have been paid on social media to Henry Vincent, 37.
AN INTRUDER killed during a raid on a pensioner’s home was under investigation over a separate burglary involving another elderly victim, it has been revealed.
Tributes have been paid on social media to Henry Vincent, 37, who died after being stabbed during the incident at the home of Richard Osborn-Brooks, 78, in South Park Crescent, Hither Green, south-east London, early on Wednesday.
In January, Vincent was named and pictured by Kent Police investigating a ‘distraction burglary’ in which jewellery and valuables were stolen from a man in his 70s. Mr Osborn-Brooks, whose arrest sparked anger from neighbours and an online fundraising campaign, was released on bail pending further inquiries, the Metropolitan Police said yesterday.
The Met confirmed Mr Vincent had died and said a second suspect in the Hither Green burglary fled the scene prior to the police arriving and remained at large.
The news came as it was revealed hundreds of pounds have been raised for Mr OsbornBrooks.
Supporters had given nearly £1,700 to a GoFundMe campaign for the 78-year-old as of last night.
Neighbours and supporters of the elderly man defended Mr Osborn-Brooks, saying he should not be punished for protecting himself.
The fund page said: “If the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service) do charge him I’d like to raise money to help him with legal costs. I’ve set this at £3,000 for now until there has been an update on the situation then it can be revised if need be.
“If he isn’t charged he can use this money to help secure his home so they can feel safe and maybe to treat himself and his wife to something nice so they know the community is behind them.”
The 37-year-old suspected intruder, who died after a struggle with the pensioner, had an accomplice who dragged him towards a van before leaving him for dead, according to an eyewitness.
At least one raider was armed with a screwdriver, police said. The second suspect fled the scene and has yet to be found.
The news comes as an 18-yearold stabbing victim was named.
Israel Ogunsola was found fatally wounded in Link Street, Hackney, by officers on patrol at about 8pm on Wednesday and was pronounced dead 25 minutes later.
Two 17-year-olds were arrested late on Wednesday evening on suspicion of murder, the Metropolitan Police said.
Dele Ogunsola, who lives on the nearby Jack Dunning Estate, confirmed his teenage son was the victim.
Meanwhile, two people are in hospital following reports of a stabbing in east London. London Ambulance Service said it was called to Mile End at 6pm last night and treated three patients at the scene.