Pensioner named locally after arrest over fatal stabbing of 'armed intruder' in Hither Green

Richard Osborn-Brooks has been named locally as the pensioner who fatally stabbed an intruder at a house in Hither Green
Ella Wills4 April 2018
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A pensioner is being quizzed on suspicion of murder after fatally wounding an intruder during a suspected burglary at his home.

One suspect, armed with a screwdriver, forced the homeowner into his kitchen when he discovered them, while an accomplice went upstairs, the Metropolitan Police said.

Officers were called to reports of a burglary at around 12.45am after the men entered the home in Hither Green.

A forensic tent in South Park Crescent in Hither Green on Wednesday
PA

It is believed there was a struggle between the pensioner and the 38-year-old intruder, who was stabbed in the upper body, police said. The man was rushed to hospital but died at 3.37am.

Adam Lake, who lives near the scene, said: "When I heard it was a burglary I wasn't surprised, there's been a noticeable increase in crime in the area.

"We've even had to put up CCTV at home because we didn't feel safe. Such an awful event, I feel terrible for the man that was burgled.

"He doesn't deserve to be punished for defending himself, and the neighbours that I've spoken to all agree that the priority needs to be to support him after everything that he's been through.

"He was just protecting himself after all."

A witness described seeing the injured man stripped of his clothes as between six to eight paramedics attempted to save him.

The resident, who asked not to be named, lives opposite the spot where the alleged intruder fell and was awoken by flashing emergency service lights.

He said: "I saw a commotion outside and looked out of my window to see a white man lying on the ground.

Forensic officers at the scene after the pensioner was arrested
PA

"He had been stripped and was being given CPR by medics for at least 20 minutes, then he was taken away in an ambulance."

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 been further arrested on suspicion of murder, the Met said.

He remains in custody at a south London police station.

Police presence on Further Green Road in Hither Green
PA

At least five forensic officers entered the house on South Park Crescent just before 1pm.

A large purple forensic tent has been erected by the front door, 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.

"I was burgled in the last couple of months," said the retired man, who did not want to be named.

"I was renovating the house and they broke in and took a laptop. I know this has happened to others recently."

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.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting CAD214/4Apr. To remain anonymous they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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