Scotland Yard says it has informed Henry Vincent’s family and took the decision after consulting the Crown Prosecution Service
Henry Vincent, 37, died following a break-in at a south east London property belonging to Richard Osborn-Brooks on Wednesday.
78-year-old Mr Osborn-Brooks was arrested on suspicion of murder and released on bail but on Friday the Met Police said no further action will be taken.
After speaking with the Crown Prosecution Service, officers said they had informed Vincent’s family of the development and explained to them the reasons why no charges will be brought.
Detective chief inspector Simon Harding said: “This is a tragic case for all of those involved.
“As expected with any incident where someone has lost their life, my officers carried out a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the death.
“We have approached the CPS for early investigative advice, as required under the guidance. We have received and considered that advice, and, at present – on the evidence available – we will not seek a charging decision.
“Therefore, no further action will be taken against the man.”
The arrest sparked fury from neighbours and friends of Mr Osborn-Brooks, who was woken by two men breaking into his suburban home 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.”
Vincent was already on a police “most-wanted” list for a string of burglaries when he was stabbed during a confrontation with Richard Osborn-Brooks, 78, early on Wednesday.
It emerged yesterday that Vincent and members of his family had been pursuing elderly victims for more than 15 years with distraction burglaries and building scams that earned them more than £1 million.
