Tributes to an intruder who died at the hands of a pensioner during a botched burglary in Hither Green have been torn down.

Balloons, cards and flowers were laid by the family of 37-year-old Henry Vincent outside the home where he was stabbed.

He had died at the hands of Richard Osborn-Brooks after Vincent entered the home of the 78-year-old after midnight on April 4 following a struggle.

However within a few hours of the tributes being laid, the balloons were popped, cards trashed, and flowers were ruined as the tribute was torn down.

News Shopper: Floral tributes left on South Park Crescent in Hither Green following the death of Henry Vincent. Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire

A resident who gave his name only as Peter said: "I wouldn't want them on my wall anyway, put it like that. They were climbing the fence and everything yesterday. Will he ever be able to come back and live here? I doubt it. It's sad."

A woman with him who did not give her name added: "You just feel sorry for him as well, because he's probably worked his whole life to get that house and now he's out through no fault of his own."

Nikita Hill, 39, who lives nearby, said: "I don't think they should have put it outside his home. Maybe they could have done it further away. But he's got loved ones and family too so I understand why they did it."

Mr Osborn-Brooks and his wife have not been able to return home yet and the windows have been boarded up as police continue to investigate.