He has been bailed until May, pending further enquiries
A 78-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after “stabbing a burglar to death” in the early hours of Wednesday April 4, but many are saying he deserves a medal for his actions.
Fury is growing at the arrest of Richard Osborn-Brooks, who was woken by two men breaking into his suburban home in south-east London as he lay sleeping next to his wife Maureen.
One of the men, reportedly armed with a screwdriver, died following a struggle inside the house. Mr Osborn-Brooks was arrested on suspicion of murder.
A friend of Mr Osborn-Brooks lamented the decision, writing on Facebook: “So a 78-year-old man gets burgled by two men.
“There is a scuffle and the old man has slight injuries but managed to stab one of the burglars and he shortly died.
“The other burglar is on the run but the 78-year-old is arrested for murder.
“So this is British justice is it? Where is our protection?
“The old man deserves a medal and to be let free. I really can’t believe this has happened to him. I am in total shock.”
A police spokesperson said: “The 78-year-old resident had found two males inside his address.
“One suspect went upstairs while the homeowner was forced into the kitchen by the second suspect, armed with a screwdriver.
“A struggle had ensued in the kitchen during which one of the males found inside the property sustained a stab wound to the upper body.”
The second of the two men escaped the scene and is now being hunted by police.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting CAD214/4Apr or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
