'Most feared man in Britain' Dave Courtney has died aged 64

East End gangster Dave Courtney, who self-proclaimed himself as the 'most feared man in Britain', has died at the age of 64.

The news was confirmed on Courtney's X account earlier today (22 October).

The post read: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Courtney at the age of 64."

It was then confirmed that the gangster-turned-actor took his own life, with the post continuing: "Dave tragically took his own life in the early hours of Sunday 22nd October, with a firearm at his Camelot Castle home in Plumstead.

X/@davecourtney666

"Details about funeral arrangements will be provided in due course. His family ask for respect during this period of mourning."

Courtney's family later issued an additional statement on Instagram, which reads: "He had lived an incredible, colourful rock 'n' roll life in which he touched the hearts of so many.

"The physical pain of living the lifestyle he chose, especially due to the pain of both cancer and arthritis in his later years became too much."

The statement continues: "So, rather than be a burden to his family and friends, he chose to 'stop the ride' and take his own way out.

"In his own immortal words, 'stop the ride, I want to get off'."

Instagram/@davecourtneyobe

In a statement to LADbible, the Metropolitan Police said officers attended a property on Chestnut Rise, in Plumstead, south-east London.

The 64-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, and his death is being treated as unexpected and is under investigation. No arrests have been made and his family have been informed.

Courtney, formerly one of Britain's most well known gangsters, made a name for himself through his connections to famous London East Enders such as the Kray twins, Roy Shaw and Lenny McLean.

From working as a doorman in some of London's finest nightclubs, working as a debt collector, to even working security for the Krays at their funeral, Courtney became a local celebrity in the East End.

Dave M. Benett/Getty Images

But the gangster was also involved in a lot of crime, with him previously claiming to have been shot, stabbed and even once had his nose bitten off.

He also stated that he has had to kill to stay alive.

In 2004, the ex-gangster was cleared of attacking his wife Jennifer Pinto over an alleged affair.

And in January 2009, Courtney was given an 18-month conditional discharge at Bristol Crown Court on a charge of possessing live ammunition - though he once claimed to have been found not guilty in 19 separate trials.

According to his official website, Courtney was previously better known as 'the yellow pages of the Underworld' and thanks to his crimes, he referred to himself as 'the most feared man in Britain'.

In more recent years, Courtney - who referred to himself as OBE 'One Big Ego' - swapped his life of crime for one in showbiz, making a living from appearances in numerous TV documentaries and a number of low-budget British gangster films.

He also starred in, directed and produced his own film, Hell To Pay, as well as featuring in films such as Six Bend Trapp, Clubbing to Death and The Dead Sleep Easy.

Alongside this, Courtney published six books - including Dodgy Dave's Little Black Book.

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