The video will start in 8 Cancel

News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A 78-year-old homeowner has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a suspected burglar 'armed with a screwdriver was stabbed to death during a break-in'.

Police were called to reports of a burglary at a house in Hither Green in South London at around 12:45 am this morning, in a road described as "very quiet".

When officers arrived they said they found that the homeowner had got into a struggle with one of two suspected burglars after he'd been forced into the kitchen.

A spokesman said: "A struggle had ensued in the kitchen during which one of the males found inside the property sustained a stab wound to the upper body."

The 38-year-old suspected burglar died after a single stab wound, police have confirmed.

Forensics experts were sweeping the scene for clues this morning, with several officers in white suits in the area. One was seen examining several cars parked on the pavement.

(Image: Matt Young/Daily Mirror) (Image: John Nguyen/JNVisuals) (Image: John Nguyen/JNVisuals) (Image: John Nguyen/JNVisuals)

The homeowner was initially arrested on suspicion of GBH while murder cops investigate the fatal incident. He was later further arrested on suspicion of murder.

Officers were called shortly before 1am by a homeowner to reports of a burglary in progress at an address in South Park Crescent, Hither Green, and a man injured.

The injured man, who was found collapsed in Further Green Road, was taken to a central London hospital by the London Ambulance Service but died from his injuries at 3.37am.

Police said the second burglary suspect fled the scene before they arrived, and they are still trying to track him down.

(Image: John Nguyen/JNVisuals) (Image: John Nguyen/JNVisuals) (Image: Matt Young/Daily Mirror)

A police spokesman said: "The 78-year-old resident had found two males inside his address.

"One suspect went upstairs while the homeowner was forced into the kitchen by the second suspect, armed with a screwdriver.

"A struggle had ensued in the kitchen during which one of the males found inside the property sustained a stab wound to the upper body."

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

(Image: John Nguyen/JNVisuals) (Image: SWNS.com) (Image: SWNS.com) (Image: Google Street View)

The Met confirmed the man's next of kin have been informed, though he has not yet been formally identified.

The 78-year-old homeowner, who remains in custody, was bruised on his arms but his injuries are not life threatening, police have confirmed.

Murder squad detectives have taped off several streets close to where the man was arrested.

The 50-yard cordon covers several streets nearby in an area described by residents as "very quiet".

(Image: Google Street View)

(Image: SWNS.com)

An elderly woman who lives at the edge of the cordon, who did not give her name, said: "I woke up in the night and heard a disturbance.

"I didn't get up, but I saw all the police this morning.

"It's scary, this is normally a very quiet area."

The homicide and major crime command will investigate as enquiries continue.

A post-mortem examination for the man who died will be carried out later.



Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting CAD214/4Apr. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.