Biggs to undergo further medical tests

Ronnie Biggs's health has been declining for some time

Train robber Ronnie Biggs is to undergo further tests after he was admitted to hospital for an emergency blood transfusion.

The 72-year-old has spent a second night at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Greenwich, south-east London, because of his deteriorating condition, according to a family spokeswoman.

She said Biggs's son Michael would at his father's bedside again on Tuesday.

Biggs was admitted to hospital from prison on Sunday night.

It is too early to say what is wrong with him but he is undergoing tests and has had a transfusion

Spokeswoman for Ronnie Biggs

Biggs, who returned to the UK earlier this year after living in exile in Brazil, has suffered declining health for some time.

Since his return, which was prompted by his ill health, he has been in custody at high security Belmarsh Prison, in south-east London.

A hospital spokesman said Biggs was stable and had been brought in for "investigations".

Biggs's spokeswoman said: "It is too early to say what is wrong with him but he is undergoing tests and has had a transfusion.

"Michael is obviously extremely concerned."

Appeal planned

In June, Biggs spent a week in hospital undergoing treatment for a suspected stroke.

His son Michael expressed anger at the decision to move him back to prison, saying he was extremely concerned for his father's health.

The former fugitive has previously suffered two strokes and a minor heart attack.

Biggs is planning to appeal against his 28-year prison sentence.

Lawyers are expected to argue that Biggs' health has deteriorated significantly - his past strokes have left him partially paralysed and virtually unable to speak.

The home secretary can decide in special circumstances to release a prisoner early.

Biggs was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his part in the 1963 robbery, which saw £2.6m stolen from a London-to-Glasgow mail train.

But he escaped in 1965 after serving just 15 months.