IT WAS just after 6.40am on a freezing November morning in 1983 when six masked raiders in fake security uniforms stormed into the Heathrow depot of security firm Brink’s-Mat.
Armed and dangerous, the gang overpowered guards, doused them in petrol and threatened to set them alight unless they gave up the vault combinations.
Once inside, the robbers got the shock of their lives – stumbling across a hidden treasure trove of gold bullion and diamonds worth a staggering £26million.
In total, they made off with 6,800 gold bars – and it took them nearly two hours to load the lot into their getaway van.
By the time a guard raised the alarm at 8.30am, the gang had already vanished without a trace.
The audacious heist quickly went down in history as one of Britain’s biggest-ever – and inspired the gripping BBC crime drama The Gold, which returned to screens this week for a second series.
Here, we take a look at the key players behind the notorious robbery – and how many of them later met bloody, violent ends, gunned down as their criminal pasts caught up with them…
Police believe Brian “The Nutter” McAvoy was the ringleader of the gang behind the infamous robbery – dubbed the “crime of the century.”
Just 30 at the time and the youngest of the six-man crew, McAvoy was already known as one of Britain’s most dangerous and prolific armed robbers.
He was arrested just 10 days after the raid and sentenced to 25 years behind bars in 1984.
He tried to cut a deal with prosecutors, offering to return his share of the stolen millions – but by then, the money had vanished.
In 1995, the courts ordered McAvoy to pay back a staggering £27.5 million, pinning the entire lost fortune on his shoulders.
But McAvoy did not pay back any of the stolen money.
Despite being banged up, McAvoy married his second wife, Kathy, in 1986. The couple stayed together for 36 years until her death in 2022.
He was released on parole in 2000 after serving 16 years and later relocated to Spain with Kathy, where he kept a low profile and never spoke publicly about the raid.
He was believed to be owed a £3.5 million share from the robbery, but fellow gang members reportedly failed to keep his cut safe.
McAvoy died on New Year’s Day in 2023, aged 71. A coroner ruled he deliberately overdosed on sleeping pills, six months after his wife Kathleen died from a heart attack.
Brian “The Colonel” Robinson died penniless in a South East London nursing home, just shy of his 78th birthday.
Once a feared figure in the underworld, Robinson passed away after a long illness in February 2021, with not a penny to his name.
A close friend said at the time: “Robbo was a lovely man to his mates and family. But he was f***ed for his money.”
Robinson was a career crook who was once on the Flying Squad’s list of London’s top 20 armed robbers.
He was finally nailed in December 1983 – a month after the heist – when security guard Tony Black, who turned out to be his own brother-in-law, spilled the beans.
Dubbed the “inside man,” Black’s tip-off led to Robinson’s arrest and conviction for armed robbery. He was sentenced to 25 years but walked free in 2000 after serving 16.
Despite his criminal past, pals say Robinson, who had two kids, tried to turn his life around after prison but the big payday never came.
Jeweller and bullion dealer John ‘Goldfinger’ Palmer was arrested for his part in the heist, but argued in court that he was unaware that the gold he was handling was linked to the Brink’s-Mat robbery.
He was cleared of all charges against him but met a grisly end in 2015 when he was brutally gunned down in his garden – shot SIX times by a hitman who had been spying on him through a hole in his fence.
Cops say the professional assassin leapt over a 5ft fence and opened fire with a .32 revolver fitted with a silencer.
Palmer was hit three times from just six feet away and as he lay collapsed, the killer pumped three more 8mm bullets into him.
Three years after the 65-year-old’s murder police released chilling photos of the peephole used to stalk him from the fence surrounding his Essex home.
Essex Police said the killing bore “all the hallmarks” of a professional hit.
Officers believe up to 16,000 victims of Palmer’s scams may have had a motive to want him dead.
The convicted fraudster, who earned his nickname through his links to the Brink’s-Mat robbery, was jailed in 2001 over a £20million timeshare scam.
According to a BBC investigation, Palmer had been under secret surveillance by a police intelligence unit for 16 years — with the Serious and Organised Crime Agency (Soca), now the NCA, monitoring his every move.
His family have doubled the reward for information leading to the killer — now offering £100,000.
Palmer’s long-term partner Christina Ketley, 58, revealed her son and his then-girlfriend were inside the house at the time of the attack but escaped unharmed.
She said: “It haunts us that whoever was responsible was stalking John like an animal before so brutally and callously ending his life.”
Crimestoppers said: “There is a contract killer out there who needs to be caught.
“It’s hard to get the underworld to talk – but anyone who comes to us will be guaranteed anonymity.”
Despite detectives pursuing more than 700 lines of enquiry, Palmer’s killer has never been found.
Dubbed “Britain’s most dangerous man”, Kenneth Noye built a sprawling mock-Tudor mansion in Kent using proceeds from the infamous heist.
The gangster used the luxury pad to stash some of the stolen gold bullion – and stunned neighbours by strutting around the 20-acre estate with a pet LION.
Noye, considered one of the most violent members of the gang, was accused of murdering undercover officer DC John Fordham, who was investigating the £26million robbery.
In January 1985, two plain-clothes cops crept into Noye’s vast garden – but were met by his three snarling rottweilers.
One officer managed to escape over a wall, but DC Fordham wasn’t so lucky. He was brutally stabbed by Noye, the blade piercing his heart and snapping a rib in half.
The detective died from six savage knife wounds.
Noye was later acquitted of murder, convincing a jury he acted in self-defence.
However, he was later convicted for conspiring to handle stolen gold from the Brink’s-Mat raid and sentenced to 14 years – serving just seven before being released in 1994.
But his violence didn’t stop there. In 1996, he stabbed 21-year-old Stephen Cameron to death in a road-rage attack on an M25 slip road.
He went on the run for two years before finally being caught and caged for 21 years for murder.
Noye was released in 2019 after serving the full sentence.
Perry was convicted for his role in the Brink’s-Mat heist, charged with helping to dispose of the stolen gold bullion.
At the Old Bailey in 1992, he was sentenced to nine years behind bars for handling stolen goods.
The court heard how Perry had been trusted to look after the interests of fellow gang members McAvoy and Robinson on the outside – but instead set about feathering his own nest.
After serving his time, he appeared to go straight – setting up a minicab firm in South London and becoming a landlord.
To the outside world, Perry looked like just another friendly, silver-haired businessman.
His tenants had no idea he’d once been part of Britain’s most notorious gang.
But in 2001, Perry’s past caught up with him.
In a chilling act of violence, he was gunned down outside his minicab office in Bermondsey – shot three times in the head and body.
His killer has never been caught.
George Francis, the man suspected of helping to handle the stolen Brink’s-Mat gold, was gunned down outside his courier business in Bermondsey in 2003 — aged 63.
His killer is believed to have lain in wait, watching for Francis’s green Rover 75. As he stepped out of the car, the hitman struck — blasting him in the head and chest at point-blank range with at least four bullets.
According to evidence heard at the Old Bailey, Francis was killed after trying to collect a £70,000 debt from a shady business contact.
The man suspected of pulling the trigger was John O’Flynn, a feared underworld figure and one-time associate of the Kray twins.
He was also believed to have played a part in laundering the loot from the heist.
CORRIE beauty Helen Flanagan sizzles in a plunging black bikini as she lets her hair down on a Ibiza getaway.
The former Coronation Street actress, 34, looked incredible as she flaunted her ample assets in a bikini top while holidaying on the Canary Island.
Helen could be seen with a huge smile on her face as she made the most of her time in the sun following her split from boyfriend, Robbie Talbot, 45.
The loved-up couple shocked fans when they called time on their romance despite appearing to be happier than ever just months ago.
But Helen appeared as though she didn’t have a care in the world as she danced and partied at Wayne Lineker‘s famed O Beach Ibiza club.
She could be seen cuddled up to the venue’s owner Wayne as she thanked him for his hospitality in hosting her and her friends at the venue.
Wayne could be seen planting a kiss on Helen’s head as she proudly held up one of the club’s signature orange cups as she wrote on Instagram: “Best day @obeachibiza always the most fun day x.”
Helen flaunted her incredible figure in the plunging bikini top as she soaked up the sun.
With her wavy blonde locks in a chic bob cut, Helen looked every inch the glam goddess with her minimal makeup and rosy pink lip.
However, the day after, the star took to her Instagram stories to describe her hangover from hell.
She captioned the video: “I never ever have hangovers as I am the worst on a hangover.”
And told her followers: “I am really hungover like a lizard. I am literally so hangover.
“I won’t be drinking for like a long time. I’ve got the school run tomorrow. Oh my god. I literally got in at six in the morning.”
Helen held her head in her hands and she took deep breaths.
She then enjoyed a relaxing spa day at the TRS Ibiza Hotel where she “finally found some zen.”
Helen is bouncing back after splitting from former non-league footballer Robbie after a year together.
HELEN Flanagan has revealed that she is in a new relationship.
While appearing on Celebs Go Dating, she confessed that she was already taken – here’s everything we know about her boyfriend Robbie Talbot.
Helen has opened up about her relationship with former footballer Robbie Talbot.
He is a decade older than the actress.
Robbie was born in Liverpool on October 31, 1979 which is how he earned his nickname Halloween Hitman in football.
He has played for a series of non-league teams such as Burton Albion, Burscough and Morcambe.
He then became a coach at Ashton in 2010.
Robbie is retired from football.
He left his role as Assistant Manager at Ashton due to family and work commitments in 2011.
It’s unknown what he has done for work since leaving football.
Helen admitted that she was dating Robbie while appearing on Celebs Go Dating.
In a first for the show, it has been revealed that her relationship had to be written into the series due to requirements that those taking part have to be single.
The pair went public at her birthday party on August 10, 2024.
The Celebs Go Dating star had claimed she wanted children with the ex-non-league footie star.
But friends say the mum of three instead now wants to concentrate on her career and family.
A source said: “They want different things in life. She has just landed a new acting job and is trying to juggle work projects with the kids.
“She sat him down two weeks ago and said, ‘This isn’t working’. It was a grown-up chat.
“She just wants to be on her own for a while although she still has feelings for him.”
B&M shoppers are rushing to buy an iced coffee maker scanning for just £20.
Eagle-eyed shoppers could not believe their luck when they spotted a Breville iced coffee maker at the bargain store.
The product promises to brew the cool caffeinated drink in minutes.
It makes a hot drip filter coffee which customers can then pour over ice and also comes with a stylish tumbler to drink on the go.
The deal was shared on the Snack Reviews social media page, with customers praising the deal.
One savvy shopper said: “I need me one of these.”
While another shopper said they wanted one for their birthday.
However, some shoppers were not impressed with the coffee maker, stating: “It’s not very good. I had one and it didn’t do anything apart from mix the iced coffee.”
And another customer said: “Please don’t waste money on this gadget.”
The product is scanning for £20 at B&M reduced from £25.
The coffee maker costs £39 at Asda, and £44 at Very.com
If you are keen to try out the coffee maker you will need to head to one of B&M’s 770 stores across the UK because the retailer does not offer home delivery.
With that in mind, it may be worth ringing up your local branch ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
You can find your nearest B&M by visiting www.bmstores.co.uk/stores.
And that is not the only bargain spotted at stores in recent weeks.
Parents have been rushing to B&M to take advantage of its £1 toy sale.
Savvy shoppers have managed to pick up everything from Sports Racer cars, Monster High bags, a toddler DJ set and a DIY jewellery kit in stores.
Customers have also been going for a 1960s-style lava lamp scanning for 50p, down from £20.
The best time to get cut-price products is 10am on a Wednesday, according to one ex B&M manager.
This is when staff slash items to as little as 10p to clear excess stock and make way for new products.
Deals expert Tom Church said to keep an eye out for red sticker products as well.
These are added to special buy products that have been reduced in price.
It’s worth signing up to Facebook pages dedicated to hunting for bargains from B&M and other discounters too.
Two worth joining are B&M Bargains, Extreme Money Saving Deals and More, and Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group.
SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain…
Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with.
Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks.
Sales are when you can pick up a real steal.
Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on.
Sign up to mailing lists and you’ll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too.
When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use vouchercodes.co.uk and myvouchercodes.co.uk are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer.
Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. Trolley.co.uk app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping.
Bargain hunters can also use B&M’s scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out.
And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you’ll get some of your money back or a discount on the item.
PENNEYS is selling a stunning new dress in two colours that they have described as “perfect for special occasions”
The new Paula Echevarria Lola V-Neck Maxi Dress is just €28.
Penneys has brought out the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe.
Enjoy a beachside meal in this romantic look from the large retailer for just €28.
The new Lola V-Neck Maxi Dress has an elegant look with ruffles sleeves for a chic holiday outfit.
Penneys said: “Make a statement in the Lola maxi dress from the Paula Echevarria range.
“This elegant green dress has a stylish V-neckline and delicate ruffle cap sleeves.
“Cut to a long length, it’s perfect for special occasions. Dress it up with heels, a clutch bag and chunky jewellery for a standout look!”
Get an elegant fit for a destination wedding when you pair the dress with a kitten heel and matching clutch purse.
Swap heels for sandals for chic holiday look, perfect for a romantic meal by the sea or simply strolling through your next sun spot.
Choose from red or green, this is a wardrobe must-have, with sizes ranging from XS-XL.
Shop this dreamy summer look online or in stores.
Meanwhile, fans are catching a case of the stripes with this stunning co-ordinate in stores.
The Cropped Long Sleeve Shirt is available in stores across the country now and pairs perfectly with the matching trousers.
It is priced at €15 and comes in sizes XS to XXL.
The matching bottoms are loose and have a drawstring – ideal for anyone who is belly conscious.
The Co-ord Striped Trousers are priced at €16.
Penneys said: “Why blend in when you were born to stand out? Opt for a statement-making fit and get set to turn heads wherever you go in these multi-coloured wide leg trousers.
“Decorated with an all-over vertical stripe that instantly pulls the eye, these trousers also feature a comfort-enhancing elasticated waistband with adjustable drawcord, great for achieving that perfect custom fit.”
Go from airport outfit to chic beach babe as you swap out low top trainers for a slingback sandal with this look.
Both items are available online and in stores across the country.
THE Penneys brand grew from humble beginnings on Dublin's Mary Street, where it opened its first store in 1969.
Known as Primark outside Ireland, the company was the brainchild of Garfield Weston, who hired Dubliner Arthur Ryan to make his vision reality.
Penneys branched into the UK in 1973 with its first store opening in Derby. The UK now has 191 Primark stores in total.
However, the Penneys name could not travel to Britain as the American retailer JC Penney had the right to use the name in the region.
And in 2006, the expansion into Europe began with an opening in Spain, followed by the Netherlands, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, Austria, France and Italy.
Primark went Stateside for the first time in September 2015, with the opening of a store in Boston. There are now 27 stores in America with branches in Florida, Brooklyn, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The retailer’s opened its largest store in Birmingham in 2019.
It spans five floors and features Primark’s biggest beauty studio to date, a barbers and three restaurants.
MACKLEMORE’S home was raided by masked intruders who allegedly stole jewelery worth thousands of dollars and bear-sprayed a nanny looking after children inside.
The suspects reportedly demanded to know where the jewels were located before ransacking the home, according to cops.
Two men allegedly broke into the home, located in Seattle, Washington, in the early hours of Saturday morning via a patio door, according to a police report seen by the Fox affiliate KCPQ-TV.
The nanny claimed she had her phone stolen and was thrown to the ground.
One man reportedly demanded: “Where are the jewels b***h?”
She claimed that one of the intruders looked scared after she was sprayed, as per The Seattle Times.
She is believed to have ushered the two men to one of the bedrooms inside the property.
The masked men, who were wearing black outfits, vests, and face masks, allegedly stole jewelry, watches and shoes.
Three kids were inside the home at the time and they were taken to safety.
And, the nanny managed to escape the home after biting one of the men.
Doorbell footage, seen by the local outlet KING-TV, showed the nanny standing on a homeowner’s porch and banging on the door.
“Help, please,” she begged.
She pounded the doors of several homes begging for help, according to the outlet.
The nanny wasn’t seriously injured, police confirmed.
Cops also revealed the intruders had fled the scene by the time they arrived.
Macklemore, known for his 2012 track Thrift Shop, bought the property for $2.1 million in 2014.
The star has not commented on the burglary as of yet.
He has been performing in Dublin and Cork, Ireland.
In one social media post, he described the gigs in Ireland as a “homecoming.”
It comes just weeks after an intruder smashed through the gates of Jennifer Aniston’s mansion in California.
A string of high-profile stars have had their homes targeted in recent months.
NBA star Ja Morant was the victim of a burglary in December.
His home was targeted while he was playing for the Memphis Grizzlies against the Golden State Warriors.
Around $1 million worth of items was stolen from the property, according to cops.
American football stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were also victims of burglaries last year.
Mahomes’ wife Brittany had her designer bags and jewelry swiped.
In February, it was reported that seven people were charged over allegations they stole $2 million worth of items from properties belonging to pro-athletes.
The men are allegedly part of a South American crime ring, as per ABC News.
The U.S. Sun has approached Seattle Police Department for comment.
Ana de Armas’ turn as a badass assassin is just what you might want to see in theaters now. She plays Eve Macarro in the John Wick spinoff movie, Ballerina. As expected, there are a number of stars returning from the original movies, including Ian McShane’s Winston Scott. McShane shared the one role of De […]
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire