London's Gangs at War

(Paperback)

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Description

The 1950s and 1960s saw a changing of the guard in Londons gangland. A new and even more ruthless breed of criminal emerged to replace the ageing generation of likes of Sabini, Mullins and Hayes. Protection rackets on bookies, club owners and shops were commonplace. Prostitution and drugs offered rich pickings. Police corruption was all too commonplace. Thanks to media interest the names of Charlie Richardson, Mad Frankie Fraser, Scarface Smithson and the Nichols became as widely known as they were feared. And then there were the Kray Twins, whose notoriety and brutality became watchwords. But as this insider book reveals they did not have it all their own way. For a thrilling and shocking story Londons Gangs at War is in a class of its own. What makes it so chilling is that the murders, torture and mayhem actually happened. AUTHOR: Dick Kirby was born in the East End of London and joined the Metropolitan Police in 1967. Half of his twenty-six years service was spent with Scotland Yards Serious Crime Squad and the Flying Squad. Kirby contributes to newspapers and magazines on a regular basis, as well as appearing on television and radio. The Guvnors, The Sweeney, Scotland Yards Ghost Squad, Brave Line Death on the Beat and Scourge of Soho are all published under the Wharncliffe True Crime imprint and he has further other published works to his credit. On retirement he lives near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk.

Reviews

"...a true insiders book that reveals the gangsters did not have it all their own way. An inherently fascinating read that is immensely informative and exceptionally well written, "London's Gangs at War" is an extraordinary study and an unreservedly recommended addition to both community and academic library Criminology collections."-- "Midwest Book Review" (1/1/2018 12:00:00 AM)
"Some of this is familiar to us from TV programmes such as Foyle's War and Dads' Army - but Dick Kirby's terrific book breaks new ground in identifying and recounting what actually happened during those troubled times."-- "Books Monthly"

Author Bio

Dick Kirby was born in the East End of London and joined the Metropolitan Police in 1967. Half of his twenty-six years service was spent with Scotland Yards Serious Crime Squad and the Flying Squad. Kirby contributes to newspapers and magazines on a regular basis, as well as appearing on television and radio. The Guvnors, The Sweeney, Scotland Yards Ghost Squad, Brave Line Death on the Beat and Scourge of Soho are all published under the Wharncliffe True Crime imprint and he has further other published works to his credit. On retirement he lives near Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Kirby can be visited at his website: www.dickkirby.com.