Family of dead burglar told to heed local feeling

Crime-scene shrine criticised

A senior police chief has said he would have preferred grieving loved ones of burglar Henry Vincent not to have laid flowers which forced his officers to step in to soothe community tensions.

Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Sir Craig Mackey said the intruder’s death was a “tragedy” for his family but warned they should respect residents of Hither Green in London after shrines for him were repeatedly taken down.

Mounted police were called in after friends and supporters of householder Richard Osborn-Brooks objected to the tributes and removed scores of bouquets and balloons placed outside the 78-year-old’s home.

The pensioner was arrested on suspicion of murdering 37-year-old Vincent while defending his home last week, before being released without charge.

He said: “This is a tragedy for the family who have lost a loved one. It is also a tragedy for the homeowner forced to take the action he did. I am pleased we got the quickest possible decision for him in relation to his actions. It would have been preferable if the pavement had remained clear and the local area had not become the focus of disruption which then needed police resources to manage.

“We want those laying flowers to respect the local people and the impact on them.”

He added that officers continued to appeal to the public to help trace another man, Billy Jeeves, in connection with the burglary.

Stephen Langley-Hart, 72, a former resident of the street, said: “They have the right to grieve even given the circumstances but it could be done in a better way. It’s really not terribly nice to have this thing opposite the house. It is a provocation.

“It’s tragic. A man aged 37 with children, it’s terribly sad but he shouldn’t have been doing what he was doing.”

MEDIA CIRCUS: Neighbour Stephen Langley-Hart is interviewed at the scene