Police say they will step up patrols in the area where a burglar was stabbed to death last month, as his funeral takes place later today.

The street in Lewisham in south east London has become a flashpoint for tensions as tributes to Henry Vincent have been repeatedly torn down by neighbours.

Officers say they don't expect the procession to enter the borough.

Mr Vincent was stabbed to death by a pensioner in a raid on his home.

Richard Osborn-Brooks, 78, fatally stabbed the burglar, who with an accomplice broke into the Hither Green house he shared with his disabled wife, Maureen, 76.

Mr Vincent, who is linked to Swanley, Hextable and Orpington, fled the scene after being stabbed, but collapsed in the street just yards from the house in south east London.

The 37-year-old later died at University Hospital Lewisham after suffering a stab wound to his upper body.