A petition and a fundraiser have been launched in support of the pensioner who was arrested after he fatally wounded a “burglar” in his home.

Richard Osborn-Brooks was held on suspicion of murder after a 38-year-old man died following a struggle with the pensioner yesterday morning (April 4).

The 78-year-old was released on bail earlier today and there has been an outpouring of support for the Hither Green man online.

READ MORE: Pensioner Richard Osborn-Brooks held over 'burglary murder' has been bailed

A petition was launched last night urging the CPS to not charge Richard with murder, saying the pensioner is “not a cold hearted and premeditating murderer”.

The petition states: “Mr Osborn-Brooks should be able to recover this horrendous ordeal with his family and loved ones, and not a jail cell door.”

The petition also claims that Richard has been charged with murder, but as of present he has only been arrested and bailed pending further investigation.

A fundraiser has also been launched with the plan to help pay for any legal fees the pensioner might accrue from the case.

READ MORE: What the law says about defending yourself against an intruder

Created by Gemma Sargeant, the fundraiser also has an alternative plan if Mr Osborn-Brooks is not charged with murder.

The fundraiser says: “If he isn't charged he can use this money to help secure his home so they can feel safe and maybe to treat himself and his wife to something nice so they know the community is behind them.”

Officers were called to reports of a burglary in progress after two men entered a house in South Park Crescent, Met Police said.

Detectives believe a struggle ensued between "one of the males and the homeowner" and the intruder was stabbed in the upper body.

He was later found collapsed in nearby Further Green Road by paramedics from London Ambulance Service, who took him to a central London hospital where he died at 3.37am. The second suspect fled the scene and has yet to be found.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.