Billy Jeeves: Police release image of Hither Green burglary suspect after pensioner Richard Osborn-Brooks stabbed alleged accomplice to death

Wanted: Billy Jeeves in being hunted by police
Met Police
Fiona Simpson9 April 2018
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Police have released an image of a burglary suspect wanted after his alleged accomplice was stabbed to death by a pensioner victim.

Billy Jeeves, 28, is being hunted by police after two men broke into the home of Richard Osborn-Brooks in Hither Green, south London.

Career criminal Henry Vincent, 37, was stabbed to death during an altercation during the incident last Wednesday.

Mr Osborn-Brooks was arrested on suspicion of murder but police dropped the case with no further action on Friday.

Richard Osborn-Brooks was released without charge 

Scotland Yard today released an image of Mr Jeeves and said he is being hunted following the break-in around 1.45am.

He has links to Orpington, Swanley in Kent and Cambridge, police said.

Police are also hunting for this van
Met Police

Images of a burnt out Vauxhall Astra van believed to be connected to the burglary have also been released.

Officers are appealing for anyone who saw the van which has the registration number GU52 AXT to come forward.

The van was found burnt out and destroyed on the evening of April 7 in Star Lane, near Hockingdon Lane in Orpington, Kent.

Killed: Henry Vincent, 37, who died from a stab wound at the home where pensioner Richard Osborn-Brooks lived was wanted for previous burglaries

Since the burglary almost £7,500 has been raised to help the pensioner.

Concerned neighbours initially set up a GoFundMe page in order to raise £3,000 towards Mr Osborn-Brooks’ legal fees.

Police also want to speak to anyone who saw this van on the day of the burglary
Met Police

But hundreds donated and within days they had more than doubled the target figure.

Gemma Sargeant, who set up the online appeal, wrote: “I don’t know Richard personally but he lives local to where I grew up and indeed where my parents still live.

“His story hit a nerve with me as I have been burgled myself (thankfully I was out) and in recent months I have known two families who have been targeted locally.”

Forensic officers at the scene of the burglary 
PA

Mr Osborn-Brooks and his disabled wife Maureen, 77, are said to be hiding out at a different house amid fears they could be targeted by friends of Vincent.

The force said in a statement that it 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 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 of the 78-year-old provoked outcry across the country and an online petition demanding his release was signed by thousands of people.

If you have any information on Jeeves’ whereabouts, call 020 8721 4205 or 101, or call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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