Conjoined twins set for operation

CONJOINED twins Hassan and Hussein Benhaffaf flew into the UK from Ireland yesterday to prepare for their separation surgery.

The brothers, born last December at the University College London Hospital, are due to undergo the complex operation at Great Or- mond Street Hospital on 7 April.

Parents Azzedine and Angie accompanied their sons on a special flight to RAF Northolt in Middlesex from their home in Cork in the Irish Republic. It is understood that Cork University Hospital staff joined them on the flight.

Described by their family as "two little fighters", the twins have two sisters, Malika and Iman. Since they arrived home in East Cork in January a special fund has been set up to help their parents cover medical costs.

Mrs Benhaffaf has appealed for people to keep the twins in their thoughts and prayers during the operation, which could last up to 20 hours.

Edward Kiely, consultant paediatric surgeon at Great Ormond Street, says surgical staff at the hospital were the most experienced in Europe at assessing and, if necessary, separating conjoined twins. It has dealt with 21 separations and nine inoperable cases.