A self-proclaimed former gangster who became an author and actor has died.

Dave Courtney was found dead at his home in Plumstead, southeast London, on Sunday.

A statement on his social media pages said he had taken his own life.

According to his Facebook page, the 64-year-old had spent his Saturday watching his football team Charlton.

Pictures showed him watching on as they beat Reading 4-0 in a League One match, and enjoying a meal at their stadium with friends.

The statement announcing his death said details about funeral arrangements would be provided “in due course”.

Courtney was known for claiming to have links to Britain’s notorious criminal Kray twins and arranging security for Ronnie Kray’s funeral, though he would only have been a child when they were convicted.

He also said he had been the target of murder attempts, including being shot and stabbed during his time in the criminal underworld.

Courtney said his exploits had inspired Vinnie Jones’s character in the film Lock, Stock, And Two Smoking Barrels, which brought the former football hardman to the attention of Hollywood.

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Courtney would himself pursue a screen career, appearing in crime documentaries and low-budget gangster films.

He also wrote several books, including one in which he claimed to have been found not guilty in 19 separate trials.

One in June 2004 saw him cleared of attacking his wife during a row about an affair.

In another in 2009, he was cleared by a jury of possessing a firearm.

Courtney’s Plumstead home has itself been something of a local landmark.

Dubbed Camelot Castle, it’s reportedly decorated with fake guns, swords, and suits of armour, a bust of Courtney, numerous pictures of the late Queen, a jacuzzi, gold lion paintings, Union Jacks, and a statue of a sniper.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK

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