A collection of artwork by the Kray twins, due to be sold at auction, turned out to be fake.

The items were pulled from the sale at Westenhanger Auctioneers after “further extensive research”, according to auctioneer Michael Hogben.

The lots were among 300 items going under the hammer at the sale earlier this month.

Mr Hogben said: “On advice from a leading expert in this particular field, it was decided that the items are not original and further to consultation with a member of the Kray family, this was confirmed.”

It was thought the 13 paintings were done by infamous East End gangsters Ronnie and Reggie Kray while they were in hospital.

The lots – eight paintings by Reggie and five by Ronnie – were part of a personal collection and it was claimed the twins had given them to a close friend while they were in prison together.

They were due to be sold on Sunday, March 5.

All the paintings had prison stamps on the back and the sale also included items by notorious prisoner Charles Bronson, apparently given to Reggie.

Mr Hogben said they had been found in a suitcase under the bed of the friend’s great uncle, who had been in prison with the Kray twins.

Also in the suitcase was Reggie’s personal photo album, also prison stamped, which included a photo of Reggie with Dame Barbara Windsor.

There were two small silver fob watches, each on an Albert chain, sealed in prison property bags, one of which has a small inscription from Reggie’s wife Frances.