Gary Amer (pictured), 63, was reportedly found dead with knife wounds in the chest next to a boiler and his tool kit

A plumber was stabbed to death after a row with a customer over his three-hour lunch break, it has been claimed.

Gary Amer, 63, was reportedly found dead with knife wounds in the chest next to a boiler and his tool kit in Walworth, south-east London.

Last night William Treadwell, 67, was charged with Mr Amer's murder, Scotland Yard announced.

A neighbour claimed Mr Amer had been involved in an argument after taking a three-hour break and saying he was coming back on Friday, The Sun reported.

Treadwell, of Madron Street, Southwark, will appear at Camberwell Magistrates' Court on Monday accused of killing Mr Amer.

Officers found the victim, from Holborn, London, suffering from stab wounds, and he was pronounced dead at the scene in Walworth at 2.14pm on Friday.

The neighbour, Janet Jarrett, apparently said Treadwell had been without hot water for days while his sister Pat, 76, with whom he lives, was away at the time.

Ms Jarrett said: 'He came to fix the hot water on Thursday but he apparently went off for a three-hour lunch break then said he was coming back on Friday.

'Apparently he needed to pick up extra parts.'