A pensioner arrested for murder after his home was burgled was protecting his wife, neighbours said on Thursday as a former minister attacked police for being "heavy handed”.

Richard Osborn-Brooks, 78, was released on police bail after being questioned on suspicion of murder for several hours following his arrest just after midnight on Wednesday.

Police have ordered him to return on a date in early May.

It has now emerged that the pensioner - who was confronted by two intruders, one of them armed with a screwdriver, at his home in south east London - may have been trying to protect his wife Maureen.

One of the men went upstairs while his accomplice scuffled with Mr Osborn-Brook and was stabbed.

The wounded burglar fled the house but died of his injuries in the street outside, despite attempts by the emergency services to save him.

Detectives investigating the death opened up drains in the street on Thursday in an apparent bid to find weapons or any other clues in the case.

Neighbours said they thought Mrs Osborne-Brooks’ wife had been sleeping upstairs at the time of the break in.

Val Barclay, 63, said: “He deserves a medal. You can't break into people's houses, especially when he's a carer for his wife and they were in bed.