POLICE are threatening to arrest vigilantes if they destroy the shrine to burglar Henry Vincent again, it has been claimed.

Floral tributes to the career criminal have been trashed four times in two days in a tit-for-tat row.

13 In an exclusive interview with Sun Online, one of the vigilantes said he had ripped down the floral tributes which he dubbed 'an insult to Richard' Credit: Peter Jordan - The Sun

Vincent, 37, was stabbed to death by Richard Osborn-Brooks, 78, in a botched burglary at the pensioner's house on April 4.

Tensions have escalated since the family of the criminal defiantly built a shrine outside the OAP's home in Hither Green, South East London.

Now cops who are standing guard next to the memorial are said to have told neighbours that anyone who hacks down the flowers again faces arrest for "breach of the peace".

One of the vigilantes, known as Mike, told Sun Online: "You'd think the coppers would have better things to do.

13 He left the memorial in a crumpled heap on the pavement Credit: Peter Jordan - The Sun

13 Floral tributes have twice been ripped down from outside the burgled pensioner's house Credit: London News Pictures

13 The man said the floral tributes were causing a 'disturbance of the peace' Credit: Peter Jordan - The Sun

"We've been warned that if we do take them down again they will nick us so it's a bit trickier.

"There's a copper standing right next to the fence keeping an eye on the flowers.

"It's in case the travellers come down at the same time but they haven't yet."

The mystery vigilante was pictured cutting down tributes yesterday afternoon.

He vowed people "won't stop until it's gone" and is among a small team of vigilantes who live within a mile radius of the scene.

Mike said: "There's a few of us who will take turns so they can't identify us.

"We've just got to be a bit more careful when taking the next lot down.

13 Henry Vincent, 38, died last week after a scuffle with pensioner Richard Osborn-Brooks unfolded in an attempted burglary at Hither Green

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

​Shrine for Hither Green burglar Henry Vincent, killed by Richard Osborn-Brooks, removed for a second time by angry locals

"We will take them down again if needed.

"It's just a case of who's brave enough to do it."

But some members of the public disagreed, joining Vincent's family in paying their respects.

Laying flowers at the shrine today, Michael O'Reilly said he did not personally know Henry Vincent or his family - but wanted to "respect the dead".

13 Two police officers at the scene of the botched burglary Credit: Flynet Pictures

13 A police car is parked outside Richard's family home following threats made against him and his family Credit: Flynet Pictures

13 Iain Gordon tried to rip the head off a teddy bear during an incredible 20-minute rant Credit: Peter Jordan - The Sun

13 Burglar Henry Vincent's relatives had pinned up a mass of flowers and messages in memory of Vincent, who was stabbed to death by the OAP after breaking into his home on April 4 Credit: PA:Press Association

13 Police patrol after tributes were destroyed at the scene of burglar Henry Vincent's death

The 48-year-old from Sidcup, Kent, said: "I read about it in the news, my parents used to live in the area.

"I think it's important to respect the dead, despite who they are, that's all I'm saying."

He added: "What sort of coward is that who smashes up flowers?

"This guy had little children and they put cards there.

"I just want the person to rest in peace, that's all I'm saying."

13 Vincent's aunt patiently re-tied the floral tributes after they were twice trashed by a vigilante Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

13 The first rebuilding of the shrine at 2.30pm yesterday afternoon. Vincent's cousin Elvina Lee described the man who ripped the flowers down as 'scum' Credit: London News Pictures

'Travellers' in Hither Green put shrine to Henry Vincent, burglar killed by Richard Osborn-Brooks, back up as cousin of dead raider hits out

The Metropolitan Police urged vigilantes to show respect and leave the flowers alone.

Chief Superintendent Simon Dobinson, Lewisham Borough commander, said: "We have a responsibility to provide reassurance to local residents so they can go about their daily lives, while also respecting the wishes of family and friends to mark the loss of a loved one.

"While the location and nature of floral tributes is generally not a matter for police, our officers are providing support both to residents and those who are mourning.

"We do not want anyone to feel intimidated or that they are not being allowed to respond in a dignified way to a tragic death.

"A small police presence remains in place in and around South Park Crescent to provide reassurance to the public.

"We urge members of the public to respect the wishes of those who choose to place flowers and other tributes in the area."

It comes as furious local Iain Gordon pulled down more than a dozen bunches of flowers during an astonishing 20-minute tirade today.

He said criminals should have "no rights" and shouted: "We've had enough in this country of scumbags."

Meanwhile, Vincent’s family demanded an apology from Richard and vowed to return to the home every day to replace the messages to “Henryboy”.

The shrine to Vincent was set up as it was revealed Richard and 76- year-old wife Maureen are living in a police safe house following death threats from the criminal’s friends.

They are under 24-hour police protection and have not been able to return to their home since Vincent was fatally stabbed.

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Ex-RAC manager and security guard Richard was woken up when Vincent and an accomplice broke in just after midnight.

He investigated and was threatened with a screwdriver. Ex-boxer Vincent was stabbed during a scuffle in the kitchen.

Richard was initially arrested on suspicion of murder but later released without charge.

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