Tensions boiled over at the funeral of career criminal Henry Vincent as mourners started throwing eggs at reporters and passers-by.

The funeral for the 37-year-old, who was killed by a pensioner when he tried to burgle his Hither Green home, was held at St Marys Church in St Pauls Cray today (May 3).

Journalists gathered to cover the funeral, with the story capturing national attention as many people sided with the 78-year-old Richard Osborn-Brooks for defending his home.

Abuse was hurled at journalists and photographers as they left the area on police advice, with the mourners flicking the V-sign at reporters and starting to throw eggs across the River Cray.

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A member of the public passing through the road claimed he had been hit by an egg in the moments beforehand.

The man said he had been returning from a job interview and was struck on the leg. Egg yolk could still be seen on his trousers.

He told the Press Association he would be making a complaint to the police, saying: "I'm lucky I'm on the way back from a job interview, not to it."

He added: "I'm not having that."

Following the burial family and friends will attend a wake at Vincent's mum's home and plan to gather around a large bonfire in her back garden and share stories of the prolific burglar.