Family of stabbed burglar bring birthday tributes to scene of death
A group of around 20 women who said they were relatives of Henry Vincent brought flowers, cards, balloons and a banner to Hither Green.
The row over tributes laid in memory of a burglar stabbed to death in an altercation during a botched raid on a pensioner’s home has continued as crowds of relatives marked the dead man’s birthday.
Around 20 women from the travelling community arrived at South Park Crescent in Hither Green to lay flowers close to the spot where Henry Vincent, 37, fell after being fatally injured in the home of 78-year-old Richard Osborn-Brooks.
Mr Osborn-Brooks was arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of Vincent on April 4 but was later told he would face no further action.
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.
On Sunday afternoon, a group of around 20 women who said they were relatives of Vincent, arrived in the street with flowers, cards, balloons and a banner to celebrate his birthday.
They were escorted by five police officers who tried to stop them stapling the banners and balloons to the garden fences of homeowners.
Eventually the tributes were attached to the street sign itself and a lamppost.
She added: “We’re not all criminals. We don’t all do wrong.”
When asked how Vincent should be remembered, another woman said: “We all loved him.”
The group refused to respond to reports that Vincent would be honoured with a £100,000 funeral, or that the cortege would pass by Mr Osborn-Brooks’ home.
Mr and Mrs Osborn-Brooks are reportedly living in a safe house and plan to sell their property.
