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The police have asked the public to 'respect the wishes' of those who wish to lay flowers and messages to dead burglar Henry Vincent.

A turf war has erupted over the shrine of 37-year-old Vincent, which has been placed outside a pensioner's home who allegedly stabbed him to death during a raid.

But after neighbours said the dispute had turned their quiet Hither Green street into a "war zone", police are said to be guarding the tributes and have reportedly threatened to arrest vigilantes who have repeatedly torn down the shrine - the Mirror reports.

'Respect the family's wishes'

Vincent, who had links with Orpington and Swanley, had a history of targeting the elderly and was wanted for burglaries in Farningham and Gravesend.

(Image: Facebook)

Chief Superintendent Simon Dobinson, Lewisham Borough commander, said: "I do not want anyone to feel intimidated or that they are not being allowed to respond in a dignified way to a tragic death.

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

“We would also request those placing tributes or visiting the area to behave in a responsible manner so as not to disrupt the local community.

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

“There have been no arrests. Officers will assess any potential criminal offences including any allegations that are made to police, which will be dealt with in a fair and appropriate manner on an individual basis.”

'No words can describe the pain and heartache we're going through'

Flowers, cards and ribbons have repeatedly been placed for Vincent by family members who have vowed to return to his shrine every time it is destroyed.

A card that had been ripped to the ground from one of Vincent's daughters said: "To My Daddy, no words can describe the pain and heartache we're going through. You were so loved and cared about not even by just us by everyone."

Henry Vincent's alleged killer, Richard Osborn-Brooks, 78, is under police protection with disabled wife Maureen, 76, amid fears of a revenge attack after he was released without charge.