Serial killer Dennis Nilsen dies in jail

Serial killer Dennis Nilsen, who admitted butchering 15 young men during a murderous spree lasting years, has died in prison

Dennis Andrew Nilsen as he leaves Highgate Court, London. PA photo

The former civil servant, 72, executed and dismembered many of his victims at his home in Muswell Hill, north London.

He was convicted of six counts of murder and two of attempted murder and jailed for life in 1983, with a recommendation he serve a minimum of 25 years.

It is understood that authorities believe Nilsen died from natural causes.

A spokesman for the Prison Service said: “Dennis Andrew Nilsen, date of birth November 23 1945, died in custody at HMP Full Sutton on Saturday, May 12 2018.

“As with all deaths in custody, there will be an independent investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.”