Blockbuster Crimes The Kray Twins

We examine the shocking real-life crimes given the Hollywood treatment

- Lianne La Borde

Identical twins Reggie and Ronnie Kray knew what they wanted to be when they grew up – either boxers or villains.

They’d been brought up bare-knuckle fighting and, by 16, already had their own gang in London’s East End. 

They were soon caught brawling with rivals.

Throughout their teens, they enjoyed success in the ring, but were in and out of trouble.

When they were jailed for skipping their National Service, it ended their boxing careers. So the Krays committed themselves to a life of crime.

In 1954, then 21, they took over a run-down snooker hall.

When another gang tried to extract protection money from them, Ronnie attacked them with a cutlass. 

Their gang, The Firm, ran protection rackets, carried out armed robberies, hijackings, extortion…

Reggie was smart and charming, while Ronnie was strong and short-tempered. 

Both were vicious. 

Word quickly spread of their capacity for violence and the Kray twins became a dominant force in London’s East End.