Hither Green burglary: Man arrested after police appeal to find second suspect accused of breaking into pensioner's home

Richard Osborn-Brooks was at his home in Hither Green when two suspects are believed to have broken in
Chloe Chaplain20 April 2018
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Police investigating a failed burglary that led to one suspect being stabbed to death have arrested a second man in connection with the crime.

Two men are believed to have broken into the home of pensioner Richard Osborn-Brooks in Hither Green on April 4.

Following a struggle between Mr Osborn-Brooks, 78, and a 37-year-old suspect named Henry Vincent, the latter was stabbed and later died from his wounds.

A second suspect had remained at large but, following a police appeal, has now been arrested.

Killed: Henry Vincent, 37, died from a stab wound at the home where pensioner Richard Osborn-Brooks lived 

A 28-year-old, named by police as Billy Jeeves, was detained by officers in Kent on Friday evening.

Scotland Yard said: "Police recently appealed for information regarding a man they wanted to trace in connection with an aggravated burglary in Hither Green, Lewisham.

Billy Jeeves, 28, wanted in connection with a failed burglary at the home of Richard Osborn-Brooks in Hither Green, London, has been arrested
PA

"Billy Jeeves, aged 28, was located and detained in north Kent at approximately 5.30pm on Friday April 20 by officers from the Met's Homicide and Major Crime Command, with support from officers from the Territorial Support Group and officers at Kent Police.

"He has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of burglary, theft and possession of a controlled substance.

The home of Richard Osborn-Brooks in South Park Crescent in Hither Green
Gareth Fuller/PA

"He has been taken into custody at a Kent police station. No other persons are being sought in connection with this investigation. Enquiries continue."

The crime made headlines across the country after the death of Vincent.

Police initially arrested Mr Osborn-Brooks on suspicion of murder but it was later ruled that he should be released without charge.

Since the incident, Vincent's friends and family have sparked outrage among locals in the usually quiet south London neighbourhood by laying flowers and cards opposite the still boarded-up home of Mr Osborn-Brooks and his wife Maureen.

The tributes have repeatedly been torn down by neighbours and well-wishers angry that the career criminal is being remembered in such a way, only to spring up again within days.

Mr and Mrs Osborn-Brooks are reportedly living in a safe house and plan to sell their property.

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