A man arrested following a botched raid, in which an intruder was killed by the pensioner he was burgling, has been released by police.

Billy Jeeves, 28, was detained by police investigating a break-in at the home of Richard Osborn-Brooks in Hither Green, Lewisham, on April 4.

Henry Vincent, who broke into the house, died after an altercation with Mr Osborn-Brooks, who was not charged in connection with the death.

Mr Jeeves was found in north Kent more than two weeks later and arrested on suspicion of burglary.

But yesterday the Met Police released a statement to say he had been released without charge.

A force spokesman said: "Following an extensive investigation – including forensic examination of the scene – there was insufficient evidence to support a charge of burglary.

"He was informed of the outcome on Thursday, 11 October."

Earlier this year the police urged neighbours in Hither Green to stop removing floral tributes left in memory of Henry Vincent, who was stabbed to death last week by the householder of a home he was burgling.

Mr Vincent, 37, part of a traveller community with links to Kent, staggered away from the home where he had been stabbed by Mr Osborn-Brooks, 78, but died later in hospital.

His relatives and supporters have repeatedly placed flowers and cards on a fence near the property only to see them torn down by residents in Hither Green.

Mr Osborn-Brooks was arrested on suspicion of murder and released on bail, but was later told he will face no further action.