THE “hero” pensioner quizzed over the fatal stabbing of a burglar could face revenge attacks from pals of the crook because he killed "one of their own", it has been claimed.

Richard Osborn-Brooks, 78 — cleared by murder-probe cops — is in hiding with wife Maureen after receiving a series of threats.

6 Richard Osborn-Brooks is in hiding with wife Maureen - in fear of a revenge attack

And now a former acquaintance of dead burglar Henry Vincent says that the late crook, 37, has pals who "won't rest until they get their revenge" for killing "one of their own".

They told Mail Online: "I know that Henry Vincent would have killed the pensioner first if he could have got away with it, but they will act like he’s the victim in all of this.

"This poor man and his wife won’t be safe going back into their own home.

"Anything could happen."

6 Mr Osborn-Brooks' property has been boarded up Credit: Kevin Dunnett

6 Henry Vincent died after suffering a fatal stab wound Credit: PA:Press Association

Friends of the OAP have said he is worried about revenge attacks.

A second raider, named by sources as Billy Jeeves, 28, is still on the run.

A pal said: “Richard doesn’t want to go home.

"He’s relieved to be in the clear but is not celebrating.

6 The couple’s home in Hither Green, South East London, remains secured by shutters and monitored by a street camera Credit: Kevin Dunnett - The Sun

“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.”

6 Billy Jeeves, 28, is being sought by police following the burglary

The couple’s home in Hither Green, South East London, remains secured by shutters and monitored by a street camera as cops hunt Jeeves.

Earlier today, friends and family of Vincent created a shrine of floral tributes outside Mr Osborn-Brooks home.

They left balloons, banners, flowers and cards on fences and lampposts outside the hero pensioner's terraced house.

The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: "Jeeves has links to Orpington and Swanley in Kent, and Cambridge.

"Police also want to hear from anybody who may have seen his vehicle, a white Vauxhall Astra van with registration GU52 AXT - in the days and hours before and after the burglary.

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

6 The OAP and his wife fear returning home Credit: Kevin Dunnett

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

Dad-of three Vincent, 37, died after breaking in on Wednesday.

He came from a traveller family based in Orpington, Kent.

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Friends and relatives have left floral tributes at the scene.

But June Stratton, 87, robbed by Vincent and an accomplice in 2013, said: “He’s got his comeuppance.

"Not that you like to see anybody killed but he shouldn’t have done it in the first place.”

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