Shrine to burglar stabbed by OAP left tattered on floor after tit-for-tat battle between his grieving family and furious neighbours
A SHRINE to burglar Henry Vincent has been left tattered on the floor after neighbours of hero OAP Richard Osborn-Brooks held tit-for-tat battles with his grieving family.
The "War of Posies" looks to be temporarily over after Vincent's relatives left floral tributes in a heap on the ground, in Hither Green, South London.
Vincent, 37, was stabbed to death by 78-year-old Mr Osborn-Brooks in a botched burglary at the pensioner's house on April 4
Loved ones have been diligently visiting the scene each time angry locals tear down bouquets and cards - but it appears they have finally given up.
On Thursday morning, only one bouquet was left opposite the Osborn-Brooks house.
A police car and two officers remain outside the Osborn-Brooks' terraced three-bedroom home.
A Facebook group has been set up while locals battle Vincent’s relatives, with residents refusing to be ";bullied or intimidated".
The group, Community Peaceful Protest For The Residents Of South Park Crescent, posted on Wednesday night writing: "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.
"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 people living in the community.
Another closed Facebook group, Community Support For the Residents Of South Park Crescent, Hither Green, has 177 members.
The group says it is 'For those wanting to show support to the residents of South Park Crescent with the recent events relating to Mr Osborn-Brooks whose life has been turned upside down.'
A new police statement has been released following this week's tensions over the floral shrine to Vincent.
Deputy Commissioner Sir Craig Mackey 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.
“We want those laying flowers to respect the local people and the impact on them. Those opposed to the flowers should act responsibly, respectfully and reasonably.
"As the Borough Commander said yesterday we don’t want anyone – the local people or those vising the scene – to feel intimidated.
"We will be proportionate in how we deal with the situation and our priority is to keep people safe.
“We will continue to work with the local authority so the disruption stops and the area can get back to normal as soon as possible.
"We continue to appeal to the public to help us trace Billy Jeeves who we would like to speak to in connection with the burglary.”
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