Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs has become infected with MRSA while in hospital, it has been confirmed.
Biggs, 76, who has suffered several strokes and minor heart attacks and can no longer speak, is understood to have contracted the superbug while undergoing "routine treatment".
He is currently held at Belmarsh, a category A prison in south east London, where he receives 24-hour nursing care.
A Home Office spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a prisoner at HMP Belmarsh attended the local hospital recently for routine treatment.
"Following this procedure the prisoner developed a local infection and subsequent tests showed this to be MRSA.
"He has completed his treatment and further tests will be undertaken later this week to ensure the problem has been resolved."
Last month it emerged that prison bosses had rejected Biggs' latest attempt to be freed early on compassionate grounds because he was not considered ill enough.
