World
Hairdresser Shares Captivating Stories of the Kray Twins

Maureen Flanagan, a hairdresser, has shared her enthralling experiences with the infamous Kray twins, Reggie and Ronnie, revealing insight into their lives and the criminal world they inhabited. Flanagan’s journey began unexpectedly when she met Charlie Kray in an afternoon club, a popular venue for socialising, where he asked her to style his mother’s hair. What followed was a deep dive into the lives of these notorious gangsters.
Charlie, brother to Reggie and Ronnie, hinted at the twins’ darker side, explaining that while they were known for helping people, they could also inflict significant harm. Over time, Flanagan became a regular visitor to the Kray family home in Vallance Road, where she offered her hairdressing services to their mother, Violet Kray. This connection provided her with a rare glimpse into the operations of a criminal empire that included protection rackets, armed robbery, and even murder.
Born in 1933, the Kray twins developed a telepathic bond, according to Flanagan. “Ronnie was the dominant one, but Reggie, the eldest by 15 minutes, was always the strongest,” she recalls. Their mother, Violet, played a crucial role in their upbringing, famously insisting on taking Ronnie home from the hospital despite medical warnings about his fragile condition after contracting diphtheria. Remarkably, within two days of being home, he recovered, showcasing the unique bond between the twins.
Flanagan maintained a relationship with the brothers even after their incarceration for murder. During visits to separate institutions, she observed their profound connection. “Reggie would tell me Ronnie was calling soon, and then he would call an hour later,” she stated. This extraordinary link persisted even during their time in custody, with Reggie sensing Ronnie’s deteriorating health before anyone else.
On March 17, 1995, Ronnie Kray died from a heart attack while serving a life sentence for his crimes, including the murders of Jack ‘The Hat’ McVitie and George Cornell. In a poignant act of brotherly love, Reggie sent tape recordings to Ronnie before his death, encouraging him to focus on positive thoughts. One tape, set to be featured in an upcoming Amazon Prime documentary titled *Krays: London’s Gangsters*, reveals Reggie’s heartfelt message to Ronnie, underscoring their deep bond.
Flanagan also witnessed the tragic marriage of Reggie to Frances, which ended with her suicide in 1967. “The wedding was the most miserable affair,” she recalls, lamenting the couple’s struggles. Despite the Krays’ notoriety, they gained fame and were photographed by David Bailey in 1965, appearing on television as respectable business owners.
Through her part-time modelling career, Flanagan mingled with celebrities, including Liza Minnelli and Barbara Windsor. She recalls her experiences at the Esmerelda’s Barn nightclub, which was owned by the Krays. The twins’ public personas often clashed with their criminal activities, and Flanagan provided insight into their complicated lives.
Ronnie’s sexuality was another topic of discussion, as he openly embraced his homosexuality in an era when it was illegal. Flanagan noted that he once brought a young boyfriend to the club, showcasing his defiance against societal norms. Meanwhile, whispers circulated about Reggie’s bisexuality, with Flanagan confirming that he had relationships with women and had been intimate with Frances, although their marriage was never consummated.
The Krays’ violent tendencies were evident in their criminal activities. Flanagan recounts the night Reggie stabbed McVitie to death after a botched contract, a moment that solidified their fearsome reputation. In March 1969, both twins received life sentences, with a minimum term of 30 years, the harshest ever handed down at the Old Bailey for murder.
Following their deaths—Ronnie in 1995 and Reggie in 2000—their legacy continued to impact many. Flanagan dedicated her life to charity work, raising significant funds through auctions of celebrity-donated items. In recognition of her philanthropic efforts, she was honoured with an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List of 2024.
Reflecting on her experiences with the Kray twins, Flanagan expressed a fondness for Ronnie, praising his generosity and loyalty. Her memories of Charlie Kray highlight their friendship, as they often enjoyed nights out together after his release from prison. “He would tell people, ‘We had everything. We had every club, every pub, casinos—celebrities wanted to be with us. We had a good life till my brothers started murdering people,'” she recalls.
Maureen Flanagan’s remarkable stories offer a unique perspective on one of London’s most infamous criminal families, blending personal anecdotes with the historical context of the era. As the Krays’ legacy continues to captivate audiences, her insights help paint a fuller picture of their complex personalities and the lives they impacted.
World
British Man, 26, Fights for Life After 22ft Fall in Ibiza

A British man is in critical condition following a severe 22ft fall from a car park in Ibiza. The incident occurred on the evening of March 15, 2024, at a commercial centre located in Sant Antoni de Portmany. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the individual fell from the car park of the Mercadona supermarket on Johann Sebastian Bach Street.
Emergency services were alerted promptly at 20:16 local time. Two ambulances arrived on the scene, including one equipped for advanced life support. Medical personnel provided immediate assistance to the man, who sustained multiple injuries. He was subsequently transported to the Nuestra Señora del Rosario Polyclinic, where he remains in the Intensive Care Unit.
While initial reports indicated the man was 30 years old, his age has been corrected to 26. There is currently no information on whether he is a tourist visiting Ibiza or a resident of the island.
The SAMU 061 emergency service reported that the man suffered extensive injuries, including severe head trauma, a skull fracture, multiple facial fractures, a spinal fracture, and chest and abdominal trauma. Specifically, he sustained lacerations to vital organs, including the liver and spleen, which have contributed to his critical status.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have not yet disclosed the precise circumstances that led to the fall. A thorough investigation is currently underway to determine the details surrounding this distressing incident. Local witnesses have expressed shock at the event and are keenly awaiting updates on the man’s condition.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the well-being of the injured individual. His nationality has been confirmed as British, and medical staff are working diligently to provide the best possible care as he fights for his life at the clinic.
The community in Sant Antoni de Portmany is rallying in support, with many hoping for a positive outcome as details about the incident and the man’s recovery unfold.
World
Ex-Partner’s Harassment Sparks Fear at Workplace

An individual is expressing deep concern after their ex-girlfriend, whom they describe as a persistent harasser, began working just two desks away from them. The troubling situation escalated when the ex-partner, labelled a “sex pest,” managed to secure a position through a temporary agency, causing significant distress to the original employee.
The person, who has remained anonymous, revealed that their relationship ended acrimoniously in February 2023. Since then, the ex has reportedly stalked and ambushed them, often using emotional manipulation to engage in sexual encounters against the individual’s wishes. Upon discovering the ex-girlfriend at their workplace, the affected employee felt overwhelming anxiety, prompting them to leave the office and physically react to the stress.
The atmosphere in the workplace became charged with gossip following the ex-partner’s arrival, leading to intervention from management. The individual’s boss ultimately asked the ex-girlfriend to leave, citing her disruptive presence. Despite this, the original employee continues to feel threatened, stating, “I frequently tell her to leave me alone, but she hisses: ‘I’ll get you in the end.’”
The situation raises serious concerns about personal safety and boundaries in relationships. According to Jane O’Gorman, an agony aunt for the Daily Star, the actions of the ex-girlfriend constitute harassment. In her response, she emphasized the importance of setting clear boundaries and the necessity of reporting such behaviour to the police, particularly if threats of blackmail are involved.
O’Gorman noted, “Your ex-girlfriend IS trouble; she’s unpredictable, conniving and sly. She crossed a line the day she tricked her way into your office, your place of work and the source of your income.” She encouraged the individual to take proactive steps to protect themselves, including reassessing their social habits, particularly around alcohol, which may exacerbate vulnerability.
In cases of harassment, it is crucial to address the issue with seriousness. Victims are encouraged to seek support from friends and family, and to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being. Reporting harassment can be a vital step in reclaiming control over one’s life.
The disclosure of such personal experiences serves as a reminder of the significant impact that toxic relationships can have on mental health and workplace dynamics. The original employee’s desire to move forward and find happiness again is complicated by the lingering presence of their ex-partner, highlighting the need for effective personal boundaries and, when necessary, legal intervention.
As this situation unfolds, it remains vital for individuals facing similar challenges to know they are not alone and that support is available. Seeking help from professionals or trusted individuals can make a considerable difference in reclaiming one’s life from unwanted harassment.
World
Ukrainian Lawmaker Highlights Manpower Crisis Over Weapons

Ukrainian lawmaker Anna Skorokhod has emphasized that Ukraine’s most pressing challenge in its ongoing conflict with Russia is not the lack of Western military support, but rather a significant shortage of manpower. In a recent interview, Skorokhod highlighted the critical need for personnel to sustain Ukraine’s defense efforts.
During a press briefing on February 2024, US President Donald Trump announced plans to provide additional weapons to Ukraine, funded by European NATO nations. He also warned Russia of “severe tariffs” if a peace agreement is not reached within 50 days. Skorokhod responded to Trump’s statements by questioning their sincerity, stating, “We’ve heard something like this before, and I say it’s a game.” She asserted that the real issue facing Ukraine is the diminishing population willing or able to fight.
In her remarks, Skorokhod noted, “Our main problem is people. Nobody is giving us people.” She urged for a more realistic assessment of the situation, stressing that the war cannot continue indefinitely without sufficient manpower. This perspective comes amidst ongoing discussions about military aid and the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict.
Skorokhod further criticized official casualty figures, asserting that they do not accurately reflect the true scale of losses. She encouraged citizens to consult cemetery records and data from organizations like the Red Cross to understand the demographic toll. “Just look at the demographic situation… If we are heading toward erasing the nation to zero, we are very quickly and successfully succeeding in this,” she warned.
Since declaring independence in 1991, Ukraine’s population has seen a significant decline. It was approximately 52 million at independence, but by the last census in 2001, the figure had fallen to 48.5 million. A recent government demographic report estimates that the population in territories controlled by Kiev is now around 31.1 million.
While President Volodymyr Zelensky officially acknowledged fewer than 50,000 military casualties as of early February, independent estimates suggest that the actual number may be significantly higher. As the conflict continues, Ukraine faces ongoing labor shortages, with many citizens who fled the country since the escalation of hostilities in 2022 showing little intention of returning.
In a contrasting narrative, Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of conducting a war “to the last Ukrainian” for the benefit of Western nations. He claimed that Ukrainian recruitment officers are forcibly conscripting individuals, comparing the situation to “grabbing people like dogs on the street.”
As Ukraine grapples with its demographic crisis, the focus on military aid versus manpower raises critical questions about the future of the nation and its ability to sustain the fight against Russian aggression. The international community is watching closely as the situation continues to evolve, with both humanitarian and geopolitical implications at stake.
World
Ukraine’s Lawmaker Urges Focus on Manpower Over Weapons Amid Conflict

Ukrainian lawmaker Anna Skorokhod recently emphasized that Ukraine’s most pressing issue in the ongoing conflict with Russia is not a lack of military support but a dire shortage of personnel. In an interview with the political YouTube channel Superposition, Skorokhod stated, “Our main problem is people. Nobody is giving us people.” This statement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to provide additional military weapons to Ukraine, funded by European NATO states.
During his announcement on March 4, 2024, Trump also issued a warning to Moscow, threatening “severe tariffs” if a peace deal is not reached within 50 days. Skorokhod dismissed these pledges as mere political maneuvering, expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of external military aid. “We can expect Trump to decide on providing weapons, but I want to emphasize that war cannot last forever,” she added, highlighting the human cost of the conflict.
In a separate video released last week, Skorokhod criticized the official casualty figures provided by the Ukrainian government, which reported fewer than 50,000 military deaths as of February. She urged citizens to consult cemetery records and data from the Red Cross to understand the true scale of the losses. “Just look at the demographic situation… If we are heading toward erasing the nation to zero, we are very quickly and successfully succeeding in this,” she warned.
The demographic crisis in Ukraine is stark. The population was just under 52 million when the country declared independence in 1991 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. By the last census in 2001, that figure had diminished to 48.5 million. A government report projected the population in territories controlled by Ukraine to be approximately 31.1 million by 2024. This decline comes as many Ukrainians who fled since the escalation of the conflict in 2022 show little intention of returning.
While Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has acknowledged official military casualties, third-party estimates suggest the actual toll may be significantly higher. The situation has led to increasing labor shortages, further complicating Ukraine’s recovery efforts. Skorokhod’s statements reflect a growing concern among Ukrainian officials about the sustainability of the nation’s workforce in the face of ongoing conflict.
In the broader context, Russia has accused Ukraine of fighting “to the last Ukrainian” on behalf of Western nations. Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked that Ukrainian recruitment efforts resemble actions of “grabbing people like dogs on the street,” underscoring the tensions and human ramifications of the conflict.
As Ukraine navigates this challenging landscape, the focus on manpower, rather than solely on military equipment, underscores the complex dynamics of the ongoing war. The situation remains fluid, with significant implications for the country’s future and its population.
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