A 78-year-old homeowner has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a suspected burglar 'armed with a screwdriver was stabbed to death during a break-in'.

Police were called to reports of a burglary at a house in Hither Green in South London at around 12:45 am this morning, in a road described as "very quiet".

When officers arrived they said they found that the homeowner had got into a struggle with one of two suspected burglars after he'd been forced into the kitchen.

A spokesman said: "A struggle had ensued in the kitchen during which one of the males found inside the property sustained a stab wound to the upper body."

Forensics experts were sweeping the scene for clues this morning, with several officers in white suits in the area. One was seen examining several cars parked on the pavement.

A spokesman for the Met Police said it had initially received a call with reports of a burglary in progress in Further Green Road.

The road is made up of a mixture of terraced and semi-detached houses, with properties sold for a range of prices up to £500,000, according to rightmove.

The injured man was taken to a central London hospital by the London Ambulance Service but died from his injuries at 3.37am.

The Met confirmed the man's next of kin have been informed, though he has not yet been formally identified.

The 78-year-old homeowner was bruised on his arms but was arrested by police on suspicion of GBH and remains in custody.

His injuries are not life threatening, police have confirmed.

Murder squad detectives have taped off several streets close to where the man was arrested.

The homicide and major crime command will investigate as enquiries continue.

Read more on Mirror.co.uk.