Pensioner who foiled gems raid dies

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

William Grove, then 84, tackled one of the teenage robbers outside a branch of Ernest Jones in Richmond, pulling a balaclava from his head, shouting: "I've got your DNA." The thugs fled and the mask proved to be a vital piece of evidence to secure convictions.

Mr Grove, who was the only person to intervene in the raid in front of a crowd of shoppers, later said he had just been "a responsible citizen".

His death was discovered on Friday when his milkman noticed milk on his doorstep had not been taken in since Monday. Police found his body inside the house in Richmond.

Grove tackling thugs at Ernest Jones

His death was not being treated as suspicious. Mr Grove, who served with the RAF in the Second World War, had recently been given a police medal for his bravery.

His local vicar, the Rev Cate Irvine of St Matthias church, said: "It was lovely for him to have that moment of glory. We were all very proud of him."