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The 'hero' pensioner cleared of murdering a burglar at his home is reportedly living in fear of his life at a safe house after receiving death threats from the man's associates.

Richard Osborn-Brooks is believed to be under 24-hour police guard after he was cleared of murdering Henry Vincent.

The career criminal, 37, suffered a fatal stab wound during a raid at Mr Osborn-Brooks' home in south east London.

The 78-year-old homeowner is thought to be in hiding with his disabled wife, Maureen, amid claims Vincent’s relatives and fellow travellers “won’t rest until they get their revenge”.

They have created a sickening shrine to him at the elderly man's home in Hither Green .

(Image: Daily Mirror) (Image: Daily Mirror) (Image: Daily Mirror)

One tribute read: “I’ll stand up for you dad, I won’t let you down.”

One member of the travelling community told The Sun: "They won’t get over the death of one of their own and they won’t rest until they get their revenge.

"And when I say revenge, they will go armed with whatever they’ve got — guns, knives. There’s nothing they won’t do to get their own back on this pensioner."

(Image: PA)

Vincent was found collapsed in the street and was pronounced dead in hospital at 3.37am.

A second suspect, believed to be Vincent's accomplice Billy Jeeves, fled the scene and is still on the run.

Police yesterday released an image of the 28-year-old suspect .

Both Jeeves and Vincent were wanted by Kent Police over burglaries in Farningham, Kent, in January.

(Image: Metropolitan Police)

Mr Osborn-Brooks, who suffered bruising to his arms, and his wife is now are now in police protection, living in fear of reprisal attacks at the hands of Vincent's fellow crooks.

Two officers were yesterday guarding their house, which has had its downstairs windows boarded up .

And CCTV cameras overlooking the house were also being installed amid fears for the pensioners’ safety upon their return.

Police called at neighbouring homes and gave out leaflets warning of the dangers of bogus callers.

A friend told The Sun : "Richard doesn’t want to go home. He’s relieved to be in the clear but is not celebrating.

"He’s genuinely sorry about what happened to Vincent but felt he had no choice. The police are still very concerned for him and his wife who has arthritis."

Vincent was already wanted over a previous burglary and he and his pal were back on the prowl in the early hours of Wednesday – targeting Mr Osborn-Brooks.

Maureen lay terrified during the burglary and unable to move due to arthritis. One raider was armed with a screwdriver and during a struggle Vincent suffered a stab wound.

(Image: Facebook)

Brave Mr Osborn-Brooks was arrested on suspicion of murder. It triggered a public outcry and a national debate on ­residents’ rights to defend their homes.

The pensioner has since been told that no action will be taken following ­discussions between the Met Police and Crown Prosecution Service.

Meanwhile, detectives armed with the CCTV were said to be combing through Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras in the area.

They were also thought to be speaking to other recent victims of burglaries nearby and potential witnesses who may have seen Vincent and his sidekick targeting other properties.