Myra Hindley was dogged by ill-health throughout her 36 years in jail for the infamous Moors murders. The 60-year-old had the heart condition angina, high blood pressure and the brittle bone disease osteoporosis.

She was warned more than five years ago her 40-a-day smoking habit could provoke a fatal heart attack.

Hindley was reported to have had tests on her heart recently.

Smoking was also blamed for the suspected stroke she suffered in jail at Highpoint Prison, Suffolk, in January 2000.

Hindley's smoking habit has caused health problems

She underwent an operation for an aneurysm in her brain - a swollen artery - after the incident.

This is a condition more common among smokers.

Before the operation, Hindley was believed to have told her lawyers she did not want to be kept alive in the event of a coma.

She walked with the help of a walking stick after breaking a thigh bone while exercising in the gym at Durham jail, which failed to heal properly.

Hindley ordered that none of her organs were to be offered for transplant after her death.

She said she wanted to be cremated and her ashes scattered at a secret location.

It is not known whether her request was influenced by the level of hatred directed at her, which suggests any grave would probably become the focus for attacks.