'LAYING FLOWERS IS NOT A CRIME'
Police chief DEFENDS travellers building shrine for dead Hither Green burglar after cops ‘threatened vigilantes with arrest’
A POLICE chief has defended travellers who keep building a shrine to dead burglar Henry Vincent, after outraged locals continue to rip it down.
The Met's Deputy Commissioner Sir Craig Mackey's comments came the morning after cops threatened the vigilantes tearing the flowers down with arrest.
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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.
“The local authority are considering how the flowers and items are managed and we are inputting to that. As the situation stands, that is how this has to be dealt with as laying flowers is not a crime."
Yesterday cops threatened to arrest anyone who destroyed the shrine again, it was claimed.
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Floral tributes to the career criminal were trashed four times in two days in a tit-for-tat row.
On Thursday morning, only one bouquet was left opposite the Osborn-Brooks house.
Vincent, 37, was stabbed to death by Richard Osborn-Brooks, 78, in a botched burglary at the pensioner's house on April 4.
Tensions have escalated since the family of the criminal defiantly built a shrine outside the OAP's home in Hither Green, South East London.
Now cops who are standing guard next to the memorial are said to have told neighbours that anyone who hacks down the flowers again faces arrest for "breach of the peace".
A post on the Facebook group Community Peaceful Protest For The Residents Of South Park Crescent last night said: "This page has been set up to arrange a peaceful protest to support the residents of South Park Crescent who are being taunted by the constant shrine that is being set up by Henry Vincent's family.
"I believe a protest was on the cards for today but failed so we are hoping to gather tomorrow or Friday. Once enough people are in the group we can make final arrangements.
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"This group is not soft so feel free to post your concerns or frustrations about the situation,.the press or the police.
"In times like this we need to come together as a community to support each other and show that we will not be bullied or intimidated."
An unnamed Lewisham woman said around 60 locals are planning to arrive at the suburban street on Thursday afternoon in a show of solidarity with locals.
One of the vigilantes, known as Mike, told Sun Online yesterday: "You'd think the coppers would have better things to do.
"We've been warned that if we do take them down again they will nick us so it's a bit trickier.
"There's a copper standing right next to the fence keeping an eye on the flowers.
"It's in case the travellers come down at the same time but they haven't yet."
The mystery vigilante was pictured cutting down tributes on Tuesday afternoon.
He vowed people "won't stop until it's gone" and is among a small team of vigilantes who live within a mile radius of the scene.
Mike said: "There's a few of us who will take turns so they can't identify us.
"We've just got to be a bit more careful when taking the next lot down.
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Shrine for Hither Green burglar Henry Vincent, killed by Richard Osborn-Brooks, removed for a second time by angry locals
"We will take them down again if needed.
"It's just a case of who's brave enough to do it."
But some members of the public disagreed, joining Vincent's family in paying their respects.
Laying flowers at the shrine yesterday, Michael O'Reilly said he did not personally know Henry Vincent or his family - but wanted to "respect the dead".
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The 48-year-old from Sidcup, Kent, said: "I read about it in the news, my parents used to live in the area.
"I think it's important to respect the dead, despite who they are, that's all I'm saying."
He added: "What sort of coward is that who smashes up flowers?
"This guy had little children and they put cards there.
"I just want the person to rest in peace, that's all I'm saying."
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'Travellers' in Hither Green put shrine to Henry Vincent, burglar killed by Richard Osborn-Brooks, back up as cousin of dead raider hits out
The Metropolitan Police urged vigilantes to show respect and leave the flowers alone.
Chief Superintendent Simon Dobinson, Lewisham Borough commander, said: "We have a responsibility to provide reassurance to local residents so they can go about their daily lives, while also respecting the wishes of family and friends to mark the loss of a loved one.
"While the location and nature of floral tributes is generally not a matter for police, our officers are providing support both to residents and those who are mourning.
"We do not want anyone to feel intimidated or that they are not being allowed to respond in a dignified way to a tragic death.
"A small police presence remains in place in and around South Park Crescent to provide reassurance to the public.
"We urge members of the public to respect the wishes of those who choose to place flowers and other tributes in the area."
It comes as furious local Iain Gordon pulled down more than a dozen bunches of flowers during an astonishing 20-minute tirade today.
He said criminals should have "no rights" and shouted: "We've had enough in this country of scumbags."
Meanwhile, Vincent’s family demanded an apology from Richard and vowed to return to the home every day to replace the messages to “Henryboy”.
The shrine to Vincent was set up as it was revealed Richard and 76- year-old wife Maureen are living in a police safe house following death threats from the criminal’s friends.
They are under 24-hour police protection and have not been able to return to their home since Vincent was fatally stabbed.
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Ex-RAC manager and security guard Richard was woken up when Vincent and an accomplice broke in just after midnight.
He investigated and was threatened with a screwdriver. Ex-boxer Vincent was stabbed during a scuffle in the kitchen.
Richard was initially arrested on suspicion of murder but later released without charge.
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