Four-month-old conjoined twins having separation surgery

Surgeons are attempting to separate conjoined twin brothers aged four months in a complex operation under way in London. The procedure at Great Ormond Street hospital, a world leader in such separations, is expected to take up to 20 hours. Hassan and Hussein Benhaffaf, who were born at another London hospital but come from Cork, Ireland, are joined at the chest and are believed to share a liver. The boys, with their parents Azzedine and Angie, travelled to London last month on a special RAF flight. Great Ormond Street said in a statement: "We can confirm that the surgery planned for the conjoined twins case is set to go ahead on Wednesday 7 April. Angie and Azzedine Benhaffaf would like to thank all the hospitals involved in their boys' care for everything they have done for the family so far, and the public for their good wishes and support." No further details would be released before tomorrow, the statement said. Mrs Benhaffaf told the Irish Independent that the family had been "overwhelmed" by support since the boys' birth. "Now as they face this critical operation we renew our appeal for everyone's thoughts and prayers ... which will help sustain our boys and our whole family at this most important time," she said.