The mastermind of the Great Train Robbery of 1963 has died aged 81, just before the 50th anniversary of the famous heist.
Bruce Reynolds died in his sleep on Thursday morning after a period of ill health in which he was looked after by his son, Nick.
Confirming his father's death, Mr Reynolds said: "He hadn't been well for a few days and I was looking after him. I really can't talk at the moment. I can confirm that he has passed away and he died in his sleep."
Reynolds was the main man in the the gang that made off with more than £2.5 million - equivalent to £40 million in modern money - when they held up the Royal Mail travelling post office which ran between Glasgow and London.
It was hailed as one of the most audacious crimes of the century.
Eddie Richardson, an old friend of Reynolds who spent time with him in prison, said he was sad to hear about his death and described him as "good company".
Richardson, described on his website as a 1960s "south London gangland boss", said: "He was all right. He was his own man. He done his own thing. There's only a couple left now.
"I used to do a bit of running with him (in prison)."
Having spent 25 years in jail himself, Richardson recalled Reynolds being a good friend to him on occasion behind bars.
He said: "He was quite good. He was good company, an experienced person, had a few stories to tell. I'm sad to hear the news, and it's a shame really."
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